Cost of Living in Winthrop Harbor, IL

Population 6,663 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

85
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Winthrop Harbor a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $239,000. At 12.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 40 miles northeast of Elgin, Winthrop Harbor falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Elgin's $252,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 78
Rent 96

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Winthrop Harbor

The median home value in Winthrop Harbor is $238,800 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,262/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,221/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 57.2°F and lows of 39.3°F. Overall, Winthrop Harbor has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$238,800
22% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$375,164
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,262/mo
4% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 85.6%
Renter-occupied 14.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,262
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,876/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
33.0 min
22% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.0%
Carpooled
8.9%
Walked
0.4%
Work from home
8.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$94,221
26% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,771
Unemployment Rate
12.9%
168% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Labor Force Participation
63.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.6%
Graduate degree 8.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 51.6
Male median age 49.7
Female median age 55.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.2°F
Avg Low
39.3°F
Annual Precip
35.3"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 313444566777818073614836
Low °F 161827364656626154433122
Precip" 1.411.522.223.773.924.453.483.593.573.252.261.86

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
74.9%
Good air days/yr
179
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
243
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Winthrop Harbor, IL?

Winthrop Harbor has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.

What is average rent in Winthrop Harbor, IL?

The median gross rent in Winthrop Harbor is $1,262 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Winthrop Harbor?

The median home value in Winthrop Harbor is $238,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Winthrop Harbor?

The median household income in Winthrop Harbor is $94,221 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Winthrop Harbor, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Winthrop Harbor is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Winthrop Harbor, IL affordable?

Yes, Winthrop Harbor is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Winthrop Harbor?

Winthrop Harbor has average high temperatures of 57.2°F and average lows of 39.3°F. Annual precipitation is 35.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Winthrop Harbor at a Glance

Population
6,663
Median Income
$94,221
Home Value
$238,800
Median Rent
$1,262/mo
Unemployment
12.9%
Avg High Temp
57.2°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
View all cities in Illinois →
🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs