Market Update
Lake County & McHenry County Market Data
Here is what the numbers tell us about the local real estate market right now. I pull these figures from reliable sources so you can make informed decisions — without hype or pressure. Data last updated August 17, 2026.
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate
6.67%
vs. July 2026 avg.
+0.13%
vs. August 2025
+0.08%
Source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey as of August 13, 2026. The 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.54% in July 2026, starting the month at 6.43% and ending at 6.66%. The latest reading of 6.67% is essentially flat compared to August 2025, when rates averaged about 6.59%. Rates are for informational purposes only and may vary based on lender, credit profile, and loan terms.
Lake County, Illinois
July 2026 Market Data
Data sourced from Redfin (Lake County Housing Market Update, published August 4, 2026) and Freddie Mac. Year-over-year comparisons are versus July 2025. Month-over-month comparisons are versus June 2026.
| Metric | July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Sale Price | $433,728 |
| Pending Sales | 970 |
| Active Inventory | 3,210 listings |
| Median Days on Market | 47 days |
| Sale-to-List Price Ratio | ~101.0% |
Additional context: Lake County's median sale price of $433,728 in July was down slightly from June's $443,748, but still 8.6% above where it stood a year ago. That kind of year-over-year growth outpaces the national rate of roughly 3%. Pending sales cooled from June's strong 1,077 to 970 in July, which is typical for mid-to-late summer seasonality. More than half of homes (51.1%) sold above list price in June, and sale-to-list ratios remained near par in July. The market continues to show steady demand and a modestly improving inventory picture compared to last year.
McHenry County, Illinois
Most Recent Available Data
McHenry County monthly data typically publishes on a slight lag behind Lake County. The most recent figures available from Redfin cover the three-month period ending May 2026. FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) provides additional April 2026 metrics on inventory and days on market. I will update this table as new numbers are released.
| Metric | Most Recent Data |
|---|---|
| Median Home Sale Price | $365,000 |
| Median Sale Price per Sq Ft | $200 |
| Active Inventory | Down 3.03% year-over-year |
| Median Days on Market | 43 days (Redfin) / 33 days (FRED) |
| Sale-to-List Price Ratio | County-level figure not available |
Additional context: Homes in McHenry County went under contract in about 43 days over the March through May period, compared to 50 days a year earlier. That is a meaningful improvement in how quickly homes are finding buyers. The median price of $365,000 reflects steady, sustainable appreciation. Inventory remains somewhat tighter than last year — FRED data shows the active listing count was down about 3% in April — which is part of why homes are selling at a slightly faster pace. More current monthly data will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.
County Comparison
Lake County vs. McHenry County at a glance
These two counties often move in the same direction but at different paces. Here is how they compare side by side using the most current data available for each.
| Metric | Lake County | McHenry County |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $433,728 (Jul 2026) | $365,000 (Mar–May 2026) |
| Price YoY Change | +8.6% | +4.3% |
| Days on Market | 47 days | ~43 days |
| Active Listings (YoY) | 3,210 (+6.3%) | Down 3.03% (Apr 2026) |
What the Numbers Mean
A calm look at where the market stands
Here is what the numbers tell us. In Lake County, the median sale price in July was $433,728, up 8.6% from last year. That is a solid year-over-year gain. Pending sales of 970 were up 8% from a year ago, and active inventory grew to 3,210 listings, about 6% more than this time last year. If you compare July to June, you do see some normal seasonal cooling — prices eased a bit from June's $443,748, and pending sales came down from 1,077. That is typical for mid-summer. Homes spent a median of 47 days on the market, just about where they were last month and two days faster than a year ago. The sale-to-list price ratio remains around par, meaning most homes are selling at or very close to their asking price.
In McHenry County, the most recent picture is a bit quieter just because the data publishes on a slower schedule. For the three-month period ending in May, the median sale price was $365,000, up 4.3% year-over-year. Homes are selling faster than they were a year ago — about 43 days on market compared to 50. That is a meaningful improvement. Inventory, though, is tighter this year. The Federal Reserve's data for April shows the active listing count was down about 3% compared to the same month last year. That combination — steady demand and slightly less supply — helps explain why prices are still climbing at a moderate pace.
Mortgage rates have been bouncing within a narrow range. The latest reading from Freddie Mac is 6.67%, which is essentially where rates stood a year ago. Over the course of July, rates moved from 6.43% up to 6.66%, so they have ticked up a bit, but nothing dramatic. The market has been operating in this general neighborhood for long enough that most buyers have adjusted their expectations. If you are thinking about buying or selling, here is what stands out to me: both counties are showing steady demand, and Lake County in particular has more homes to choose from than it did a year ago. Prices are rising at a pace that feels sustainable rather than speculative. That is a market where you can take your time, ask the right questions, and make a decision that fits your situation — not one where you have to rush. I am here to help you understand how these numbers apply to your specific circumstances. No pressure, just straight answers.
"I have been watching this market for over 50 years. What I see right now is a market that has settled into a healthy rhythm. More inventory in Lake County than a year ago, buyers still active in both counties, and prices rising at a pace that makes sense. It is not a market that demands quick decisions. It is a market that rewards good ones."
Ron Rank
Want to talk about what these numbers mean for you?
Whether you are thinking about selling, buying, or just trying to understand the market, I am here to help. No pressure — just experienced guidance.