Community Demographic Profile

The City of McHenry is located in east-central McHenry County, 55 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop and 35 miles from O’Hare International Airport. The City is centered on two major State highways –Illinois Route 31, and, Illinois Route 120,. In addition, the Fox River runs north/south on the east side of the City. The City consists of approximately 15 square miles of land area.

McHenry’s current population is approximately 27,173, including 10,184 occupied housing units, an average household size of 2.72, and a median household income of $75,811. Of the 11,154 housing units, approximately 7,250 are owner-occupied, and 3,904are renter-occupied. The median resident age is 39.8. 92.0 % of the population are high school graduates or higher (of those 25 years or older). 27.6 % have bachelor’s degrees or higher (of those 25 years or older). 80.68%% of the population is white alone. The City currently has more than 1,535 approved unplatted lots and platted vacant lots. Active subdivisions in the City include Legend Lakes, Liberty Trails, Oaks at Irish Prairie, Patriot Estates, and Prairie Lakes.

The total number of businesses in the City is 2,421 . The City’s three largest employment sectors, by the number of employees, are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade and manufacturing.