RANK #69 / 996 · POP 311,133 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.1%
Woodstock, the county seat of McHenry County, Illinois, is known for its historic Woodstock Square, which features the Woodstock Opera House and was a filming location for "Groundhog Day." McHenry County is located in northern Illinois, bordering Wisconsin, and is considered one of the five collar counties of the Chicago metropolitan area. While parts of the county are suburban, particularly the southeastern portions, the western and northern areas retain a rural character. Commute options to Chicago include Metra commuter rail service from seven stations within the county. The county offers extensive outdoor recreation, with the Fox River and numerous lakes providing opportunities for water sports, and over 25,000 acres of preserved land for hiking and biking, including the 26-mile McHenry County Prairie Trail.
McHenry County offers a quality of life that blends suburban and rural living, attracting families and professionals. The public schools in McHenry County are highly rated, with several districts recognized for their performance. The county has a low crime rate and an affordable cost of living compared to national averages. Economically, McHenry County has seen growth, adding nearly 200 new businesses since 2021, outpacing some neighboring counties. Tourism also plays a role, generating $336.1 million in visitor spending in 2022 and supporting over 2,000 jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry. The county actively promotes economic development through partnerships and programs aimed at business expansion and workforce development.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 7.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
McHenry County has a Boom Town Index score of 93/100, ranking #69 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $100,101, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in McHenry County is $270,600 with median rent at $1,310/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3699, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed +4.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.06% of McHenry County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.