Last Updated on: 2nd November 2023, 02:00 pm
Lake Zurich, IL, is a village on the northwest side of Chicago, located in Lake County. The village of Lake Zurich is, in fact, named after an actual “Lake Zurich,” which is located within the village. Lake Zurich is known as a quiet retreat from, and suburb of, the urban jungle of nearby Chicago. It’s home to a vibrant downtown, Paulus Park, family-friendly sandy beaches and summer swimming areas at the lake, and a peaceful walking path around the namesake lake.
The surrounding area was first called home by European settlers in the 1830s and soon attracted crowds of New England farmers moving to Lake Zurich, which was called Cedar Lake at the time. The area continued to thrive, established as a summer resort and getaway for midwesterners in the late 1920s. Ever since, many people have continued to make the move and are happy to call Lake Zurich, IL, a good place to live.
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Where is Lake Zurich?
Lake Zurich is in Lake County, 50 miles south of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and 38 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois. As a Chicago suburb, Lake Zurich is also close to Arlington Heights, Mt Prospect, and Green Oaks. It’s 39 miles from Lake Zurich to Chicago and can take you between 50 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic.
The area is served by Metra commuter rail’s Union Pacific Northwest line, Pace Bus Dial-a-Ride, and Human Service Agencies Transportation services to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and Catholic Charities Senior Services.
Lake Zurich Population & Demographics
Lake Zurich’s population was 19,759 according to the 2020 Census, which means it’s the 124th most populous city in Illinois and the 1,899th most populous city in the United States. A few notable people are from Lake Zurich, including the creator of Tony the Tiger, Leo Burnett, and former NFL Players Matt Blanchard and Bob Parsons.
Demographics of Lake Zurich, IL
| Race | Number | Percentage |
| White (NH) | 15,552 | 78.71% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 174 | 0.88% |
| Native American (NH) | 8 | 0.04% |
| Asian (NH) | 1,781 | 9.01% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 2 | 0.01% |
| Some other Race | 31 | 0.16% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 573 | 2.90% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 1,638 | 8.29% |
| Gender | Percentage |
| Males | 48.6% |
| Females | 51.4% |
The 2020 Census states the population declined in Lake Zurich from 2020 to 2021 by 0.65%. Lake Zurich has 7,002 family households with a median household income of $113,467, which is well above the median household income for Illinois of $68,428. About 3.9% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Compared to the national average of 94%, Lake Zurich is above the national average for high school completion, with 95.9% of the population aged 25-29 becoming high school graduates. 53.4% of Lake Zurich residents have achieved a Bachelor’s degree or higher, while the national average is 49%.
Some other noteworthy Lake Zurich demographics:
- 39 is the median age in Lake Zurich, IL
- The average commute time for Lake Zurich residents is 31.3 minutes
- The foreign-born population in Lake Zurich is 17.8%
- 435 Lake Zurich residents are veterans
Lake Zurich is considered a very safe place to live. Based on FBI crime statistics, if you’re living in Lake Zurich, IL, your chance of becoming a victim of a crime is 1 in 829. In America overall, that chance is 1 in 43. Lake Zurich’s crime rate is 93.9% lower than the state of Illinois’ crime rate, and 94.8% lower than that of the United States.
The Lake Zurich Police Department serves the village of Lake Zurich, and has 30 officers or 2 officers per 1,000 residents.
Cost of Living in Lake Zurich
The cost of living in Lake Zurich, IL–as part of the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights IL metro–is 123.3, while the U.S. average is 100. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $100,067 per year to afford to live in Lake County.
Overall, the cost of living in Lake Zurich is higher than the cost of living in Illinois and the US, including groceries and transportation. The median price of Lake Zurich homes for sale is $356,852, 8% lower than the national median of $402,983. The median sale price has fallen 6.3% since last year. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Lake Zurich, IL is $1,454 for a 825-square-foot apartment, which is less than the United States average of $1,681.
| Cost of Living | Lake Zurich | Illinois | USA |
| Overall | 123.3 | 93.4 | 100 |
| Grocery | 104.2 | 94 | 100 |
| Health | 98 | 97.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 159 | 79.5 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $368,705 | $234,000 | $402,983 |
| Utilities | 90.7 | 97.7 | 100 |
| Transportation | 110.7 | 106.2 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 113.1 | 98.1 | 100 |
| Housing | $1,354 |
| Food | $822 |
| Child Care | $1,683 |
| Transportation | $1,183 |
| Health Care | $1,362 |
| Other Necessities | $789 |
| Taxes | $1,146 |
| Monthly Total | $8,339 |
| Annual Total | $100,067 |
Typical Chicago Metro Living Expenses:
- Average Lake Zurich utilities per month: $317
- Gallon of Milk: $3.22
- Loaf of White Bread: $2.75
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $20.00
- Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: $80.00
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport): $2.50
- Gallon of Gasoline: $5.32
Lake Zurich Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Lake Zurich
Residents living in Lake Zurich give the city a liveability score of 54, which is in the bottom half of the United States. The most expensive area in Lake Zurich is Kildeer, and the most affordable neighborhood in Lake Zurich includes Lake Zurich Manor.
If you plan to move to Lake Zurich, it’s possible to find a neighborhood or subdivision that can fit your budget, though most are on the high end. Here are some popular Lake Zurich neighborhoods:
Lake Zurich Heights
Lake Zurich Heights is a single family neighborhood that you can find west of Rand Road and north of Honey Lake Road.
Old Mill Grove
Old Mill Grove is a single-family subdivision in Lake Zurich that features affordable homes mostly built in the 1970s.
Lake Zurich Weather & Climate
Lake Zurich IL is within the temperate climate zone with four distinct seasons. In the winter, temperatures can reach a low of 12° in January–the coldest month. Summer temperatures can reach highs of 83° in July, the hottest month. Lake Zurich averages about 38 inches of rain and snow per year.
Things to Do in Lake Zurich
Of course a popular attraction in Lake Zurich is the lake itself, but some of the best things to do in Lake Zurich happen around Christmas Time, with many light shows and even a Christmas pageant production! Shopping in Lake Zurich is popular at the Village Square and Deerpath Commons.
Paulus Park
Here you’ll find 47 acres of lakefront property, which includes 400 feet of sandy beaches, sparkling lake water, and a spray ground! There are also showers, restrooms, a skate park, and a volleyball court.
200 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 438-5146
Wandering Tree Estate
Take in some beautiful scenery, model railroads, and gardens with Scenic Railways designed by renowned artist Elaine Silets.
830 W State Rte 22, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 381-1907
Copper Fiddle Distillery
Enjoy locally made and award-winning sips at this locally-owned Lake Zurich distillery that features music on the weekends!
532 W. Route 22 Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 847-7609
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Additional Attractions in Lake Zurich:
Bird Observation Area
Lake Zurich Promenade
Breezewald Park
If you want even more things to do, explore the Lake Zurich events calendar, as well as Lake Zurich Parks and Recreation and Visit Lake County.org!
Lake Zurich Restaurants
There are restaurants in Lake Zurich that fit every appetite, and you can also take in lake views while you eat! Here are some local favorites with high ratings:
- Bobbers Lake Zurich: A highly-rated lakefront bar and restaurant with a patio.
710 N Old Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 847-1620 - Bacchus Nibbles Restaurant and Bar: Serving quality meats and fish entrees.
800 W Main St, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 438-3212 - D&J Bistro: An upscale spot in Lake Zurich for a nice dinner with cozy French decor.
466 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 438-8001
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Jobs in Lake Zurich
Many people living in Lake Zurich are employed in Manufacturing and Retail Trade which are the largest and second-largest industries. The highest paying industries are Wholesale Trade, Utilities, and Manufacturing and the largest employers include ACCO Brands, ECHO USA, Intel, and Target. According to Payscale, the average salary in Lake Zurich, IL is $73,000/yr and $18.35/hr. The unemployment rate in Lake Zurich is 4.4%, which is well below the U.S. average of 6.0%.
If you’d like to work for the city of Lake Zurich, check out the Village of Lake Zurich employment page as well as the Indeed job board.
Lake Zurich Schools
Public schools in Lake Zurich are managed by Lake Zurich Community Unity School District 95, Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96, and Consolidated High School District 125. Schools in Lake Zurich District 95 are highly rated. Some of the top-ranked schools include Isaac Fox Elementary School, Lake Zurich Middle School – S Campus, and Lake Zurich High School.
The Ela Public Library has served the area since 1972.
Lake Zurich Statistics & Information
County: Lake County
Lake Zurich Area: 7.33 mi²
Lake Zurich ZIP Code: 60047
Lake Zurich Area Code(s): 847 and 224
Lake Zurich Elevation: 850′
Lake Zurich Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Closest Airport to Lake Zurich: The nearest airport to Lake Zurich is the Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW)
Lake Zurich, IL Map
Learn more about Lake Zurich and find more to do with this map!
Planning to relocate to Lake Zurich? As you start to plan your move, reach out to Federal Companies movers! We’re a leader among moving companies in East Peoria, IL & the Greater Chicago, IL & St. Louis, MO areas. We’ll be the first to welcome you to the neighborhood!
