Crystal Lake
cityCrystal Lake is a city located in McHenry County, Illinois, approximately 45 miles northwest of Chicago. As of 2020, the population was around 40,269, making it the most populous city in the county. Crystal Lake is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and offers a mix of suburban living with access to urban amenities. Crystal Lake's economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. The city also has a growing commercial sector with many restaurants and retailers. Several major employers contribute to the local job market. What makes Crystal Lake distinctive is its blend of historical roots and modern development. Founded in the 1800s, the city gets its name from the clear lake that was once a source of ice harvesting. Today, Crystal Lake and the Three Oaks Recreation Area provide recreational opportunities and enhance the city's quality of life.
Crystal Lake, Illinois
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 17-17887
- Country
- United States
- County
- McHenry County
- Region
- Chicago Metropolitan Area
- Elevation
- 899 ft
- Total Area
- 19.53 sq mi
- Land Area
- 18.92 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.61 sq mi
- Latitude
- 42.24583
- Longitude
- -88.38056
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with four distinct seasons.
- Notable Features
- Crystal Lake · Three Oaks Recreation Area (former Vulcan Lakes quarry)
- Neighboring Areas
- Lakewood · Lake in the Hills · Algonquin · Prairie Grove
- Population (2020)
- 40,269
- Est. Population (2024)
- 41,513
- Median Age
- 39.5
- Median Income
- $105,428
- Poverty Rate
- 6.8%
- Family Households
- 72.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 78%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Crystal Lake includes 80.9% White, 12.1% Hispanic, and 3.3% Asian.
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47, Community High School District 155
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.7%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Schools
- 13
- Students
- 7,500
- Teachers
- 1,400
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47 · Community High School District 155
- Colleges & Universities
- McHenry County College
- Transportation
- Northwest Highway · Routes 176 and 31 · Metra train stations · O'Hare International Airport · Chicago-Rockford International Airport · Chicago Midway International Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Mercyhealth Hospital · Three Oaks Recreation Area
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Crystal Lake · Three Oaks Recreation Area
- Parks & Trails
- Main Beach · Della Park · Lakewood Meadows Park · Numerous local parks
- Founded
- 1835
- Incorporated
- 1874
- Named After
- Crystal Lake
- Historical Significance
- Evolved from two 19th-century communities into the largest city in McHenry County, balancing historical roots with modern suburban development.
- Key Events
- Establishment of Nunda and Crystal Lake communities in the 1800s · Arrival of the railroad in the 1850s · Incorporation of Crystal Lake and Nunda in 1874 · Annexation of North Crystal Lake into Crystal Lake in 1914