Cary, Illinois
Village · 4 miles from Crystal Lake · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, local municipal data · Updated 2026-04
Tight-knit community with excellent parks and Fox River access.
18,271
Population
$295,000
Median Home Price
4 mi
To Crystal Lake
60013
ZIP Code
What Makes Cary Stand Out
- ✓ Fox River Trail access and outdoor recreation
- ✓ Annual Cary-Grove football rivalry
- ✓ Metra station (Crystal Lake-adjacent commute)
- ✓ Small-town downtown with local shops
Cary vs Crystal Lake at a Glance
| Metric | Cary | Crystal Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,271 | 40,388 |
| Median Home Price | $295,000 | $310,000 |
| Type | Village | City |
| Distance to Crystal Lake | 4 miles | — |
For a detailed comparison including commute, schools, and cost of living, see Crystal Lake vs Cary.
Living in Cary, IL
Cary is a village located 4 miles from Crystal Lake in McHenry County, Illinois. With a population of 18,271 and a median home price of $295,000, Cary offers a more affordable alternative to Crystal Lake while sharing access to many of the same amenities, schools, and community events in the greater Crystal Lake trade area.
Residents of Cary benefit from proximity to Crystal Lake's downtown dining, shopping, and recreation, as well as access to the Metra commuter rail for Chicago-bound commuters. The area is served by top-rated school districts and offers a range of housing options from historic homes to new construction.