Crystal Lake & Surrounding Areas
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, local municipal data · Updated 2026-04
Crystal Lake sits at the heart of McHenry County's largest population corridor. Whether you live in town or in one of the surrounding communities, Crystal Lake serves as the commercial, recreational, and cultural hub of the region.
Crystal Lake
City40,388
Population
$310,000
Median Home
Suburban small-town feel with strong community events and excellent schools.
- ✓ Largest city in McHenry County
- ✓ Top-rated D155 and D47 school districts
- ✓ Three Oaks Recreation Area and Main Beach
- ✓ Historic downtown Depot District with shops and restaurants
- ✓ Metra commuter rail to Chicago (75 min)
Population Comparison
Surrounding Communities
Cary
Village18,271
Population
$295,000
Median Home
Tight-knit community with excellent parks and Fox River access.
- • Fox River Trail access and outdoor recreation
- • Annual Cary-Grove football rivalry
- • Metra station (Crystal Lake-adjacent commute)
- • Small-town downtown with local shops
Algonquin
Village31,198
Population
$320,000
Median Home
Growing suburb with modern retail and family-friendly neighborhoods.
- • Randall Road commercial corridor
- • Algonquin Commons shopping
- • Fox River water recreation
- • Strong D300 school district
Lake in the Hills
Village29,468
Population
$285,000
Median Home
Affordable, family-oriented with strong community programming.
- • Annual Autumn Fest and Shore Club Beach
- • Extensive bike path network
- • Affordable housing compared to neighbors
- • D47 and D155 school boundaries
Lakewood
Village3,977
Population
$350,000
Median Home
Quiet, spacious lots with Crystal Lake amenities nearby.
- • Rural-suburban character with larger lots
- • Within Crystal Lake D47 school boundaries
- • Quiet, low-density neighborhoods
- • Minutes to Crystal Lake downtown
Prairie Grove
Village2,023
Population
$330,000
Median Home
Country feel with quick access to Crystal Lake conveniences.
- • Semi-rural atmosphere
- • Crystal Lake school districts
- • Low taxes relative to surrounding municipalities
- • Close to Crystal Lake shopping and dining
Oakwood Hills
Village2,141
Population
$270,000
Median Home
Wooded, quiet village with a nature-first character.
- • Wooded, natural setting
- • Small-village governance
- • Cary-Grove school district
- • Quiet residential community
Nunda Township
Unincorporated4,500
Population
$290,000
Median Home
Unincorporated areas with Crystal Lake addresses and lower taxes.
- • Unincorporated McHenry County
- • Lower property taxes than incorporated areas
- • Crystal Lake mailing address and school districts
- • Larger lot sizes and rural-suburban mix
Burton's Bridge
Unincorporated1,200
Population
$340,000
Median Home
True rural living with a Crystal Lake address.
- • Rural McHenry County living
- • Crystal Lake mailing addresses
- • Agricultural heritage
- • Very low density, large properties
Median Home Price Comparison
At a Glance
| Community | Type | Population | Median Home | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Lake | City | 40,388 | $310,000 | — |
| Cary | Village | 18,271 | $295,000 | 4 mi |
| Algonquin | Village | 31,198 | $320,000 | 6 mi |
| Lake in the Hills | Village | 29,468 | $285,000 | 5 mi |
| Lakewood | Village | 3,977 | $350,000 | 3 mi |
| Prairie Grove | Village | 2,023 | $330,000 | 4 mi |
| Oakwood Hills | Village | 2,141 | $270,000 | 3 mi |
| Nunda Township | Unincorporated | 4,500 | $290,000 | 2 mi |
| Burton's Bridge | Unincorporated | 1,200 | $340,000 | 5 mi |