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The City of Waukegan is considered the County Seat of Lake County, employing more than 2,200 people.  Originally a French trading post and incorporated in 1859, Waukegan is now Illinois’ ninth largest and Lake County’s largest community, with a population of nearly 90,000.  Located approximately 39 miles north of Chicago, the city is easily accessible from the north and south via I-94 on the western edge of town and by either U.S. Rt. 41 or Illinois Rt. 131 (Green Bay Road) on the east.  Major east/west highways running through Waukegan are Illinois Rt. 120 (Belvidere Road), Illinois Rt. 132 (Grand Avenue) and Washington Street.

Waukegan’s population is composed of 29,249 households, with a median home value of $118,200.  Average apartment rentals in Waukegan are about $650.00 per month.  The median family income for the area is estimated at $50,000 per year and the median age of residents is 30.4. (Statistics from 2000 Census Data)

Waukegan is a city rich in history and blessed with many cultures, religions and ethnic heritages.  Nearby shopping, parks, schools and places of worship make Waukegan a well-rounded community in which to live and raise a family.  It offers varied living from tree-lined residential neighborhoods to luxury apartments.  The area known as the Near North Historic District contains some of the oldest buildings in the city and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. While maintaining its historic architecture, the city also encourages new development.  On the western edge of town, new upscale housing and business park developments have created a corridor of opportunity for Waukegan businesses and residents.

A wealth of natural and man-made recreational facilities provide Waukegan residents and visitors a wide variety of activities throughout the year.  During the summer months, Waukegan becomes a Midwestern recreational hub.  The city’s mile of gorgeous white sand beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Waukegan Harbor is the world’s freshwater salmon capital. It is home to a fleet of more than 30 privately owned charter boats and several public fishing piers.  The recently renovated harbor provides access for over 1,000 recreational boats throughout the summer season. Recreationalists also enjoy bicycle riding on the North Shore trail system which stretches from Wisconsin to Chicago, as well as nearby horseback riding and skiing, Six Flags Great America Theme Park in Gurnee, and Illinois Beach State Park in Zion.

Proximity to major markets, a transportation system to move goods and people, unlimited fresh water supplies, a skilled labor force, ample energy sources, available land and existing facilities, and a cooperative city administration are just some of the business advantages offered by Waukegan. The city's economic base is expanding rapidly to include financial, governmental, and legal services as well as its original core of industrial manufacturing.

The Waukegan area is home to the corporate headquarters of Abbott Laboratories and Fansteel, Inc.  Other widely known firms such as Baxter, The Cherry Corporation, Dexter Corporation, A.L. Hansen, Manville Corporation, National Gypsum Company, and V/R Wesson are also located in the Waukegan area.  Products produced by industries in Waukegan include marine and recreation motors, pharmaceuticals, glass and paper products, electrical and electronic components, and chemicals.  Waukegan is home to the Lake County Building and Courthouse, bringing an array of legal services and expertise to the downtown area.  Great Lakes Naval Training Center, located just south of Waukegan, provides steady employment for thousands of area residents and brings a multitude of additional consumers into the city.

Waukegan has also begun a major redevelopment of nearly 1,500 acres on the Lake Michigan shore.  The scope of work includes revitalization of the land to increase recreational opportunities and create residential development.  Additional retail and commercial uses are also planned. This plan will provide increased business opportunities to the area and assure the growth of the village’s economic base and property values.