McHenry County Businesses

There are 17 manufacturing firms in Crystal Lake, and they, together with a solid base of independent and national retailers and other businesses, provide employment for 12,500 people. There are 86,000 people employed county wide, and right now, employment opportunities are excellent.

National chains represented in the city include a major book store, grocery chains, office and electronics stores, sporting goods, hardware, video, and the major discount department stores.

Three fourths of all the retail sales in the county happen in Crystal Lake's thriving business community, including the historic Downtown area. Though Crystal Lake has 300 retail stores, residents also love their close proximity to large shopping venues like Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Springhill Mall in Dundee, Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall, Hawthorne Center in Vernon Hills and the Huntley Factory Outlet Mall.

The city government of Crystal Lake understands the importance of controlled growth of new and existing businesses, as do most of the governments of the surrounding McHenry County communities.

McHenry County communities, including Crystal Lake, encourage residents to participate in the process of enabling sound business growth, while protecting the quality of life in the area. The McHenry County Economic Development Commission, comprised of volunteers from the communities, is an active part of that process.

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