countyscore
47.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.5Safety 85.6Soil Quality 85.6

County Report Card

About Kane County, Illinois

Trailing the National Median Score

Kane County scores 47.1 on the composite index, sitting slightly below the national median of 50.0. High costs and taxes act as a heavy weight on its otherwise strong economic indicators.

Behind the Illinois State Average

The county falls below the Illinois average of 52.8 despite its wealth. It represents the high-cost challenge common to many of the state's most populous suburban areas.

Elite Incomes and Strong Safety

Kane County shines with an income score of 95.5, with median household earnings topping $100,678. Safety also remains a major strength, earning a high score of 85.6.

Intense Tax and Cost Burdens

The tax score of 1.1 and cost score of 6.7 are among the lowest in the state, driven by a 2.386% effective tax rate. Climate risk is also a notable concern with a score of only 5.4.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Kane County is designed for high earners who value safety and economic opportunity. It is a great fit for those who can afford the premium price tag of its suburban lifestyle.

204060801001.16.785.67260.195.55.470.151.5Tax1.1Cost6.7Safety85.6Health72Schools60.1Income95.5Risk5.4Water70.1Weather51.547.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Kane County DNA

Foverall

How Kane County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kane County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (95.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (1.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.1-50.9
Cost
6.7-41.3
Safety
85.6+30.599999999999994
Health
72+22
Schools
60.1
Income
95.5+44.5
Risk
5.4-41.6
Water
70.1+12.099999999999994
Weather
51.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Kane County?

Many homeowners in Kane County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$303,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,404/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$303,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $100,678/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Kane County with Upson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Upson County
Georgia
Median income: $50,904
47.1
Pawnee County
Kansas
Median income: $63,625
47.1
Lafourche Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $63,439
47.1
Yalobusha County
Mississippi
Median income: $49,171
47.1
Herkimer County
New York
Median income: $68,858
47.1
Richmond County
New York
Median income: $98,290
47.1
Hawkins County
Tennessee
Median income: $55,278
47.1
Lake County
Tennessee
Median income: $30,500
47.1

Nearby counties

DeKalb County
Illinois
37
DuPage County
Illinois
54
Kendall County
Illinois
38.6
McHenry County
Illinois
52.3
Lake County
Illinois
47.2
Cook County
Illinois
30.3
Boone County
Illinois
43.7
Will County
Illinois
50.3

Deep Dives

Kane County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kane County

via TaxByCounty

Kane County taxes hit national highs

Kane County's effective property tax rate of 2.386% ranks among the nation's highest, significantly exceeding the national median of 1.825%. Residents pay a median of $7,230 annually—nearly three times the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher home values and elevated tax rates.

Highest taxes among all Illinois counties

Kane County ranks 102nd (last) among Illinois's 102 counties with a 2.386% effective rate, towering over the state average of 1.831%. Its median property tax of $7,230 also ranks among the state's highest, placing Kane residents in the most expensive tax bracket statewide.

Nearly doubles Kendall County rates

Kane County's 2.386% rate edges above neighboring Kendall County (2.528%)—though Kendall's higher home values push its median bill to $7,556. Kane's median home value of $303,000 combined with its steep rate creates an exceptionally high tax burden.

A $303,000 home costs $7,230 yearly

The median Kane County home valued at $303,000 generates an estimated annual property tax of $7,230. With mortgage insurance factored through escrow, homeowners typically pay around $7,537 annually—the second-highest in the comparison group.

High value makes appeals especially worthwhile

With median taxes exceeding $7,200, even modest assessment reductions deliver thousands in savings across the mortgage lifetime. Kane County residents should prioritize reviewing their assessments and filing appeals if valuations seem inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kane County

via CostByCounty

Kane County's affluent housing markets

Kane County renters spend 16.7% of income on rent, slightly above the U.S. average of roughly 15%, yet the context differs sharply. With household income of $100,678—35% above the national median—most residents absorb the $1,404 rent with less strain than raw percentages suggest.

Above state average but highest incomes

Kane County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Illinois's 14.7% average, yet the county's median household income of $100,678 stands 27% above the state average. Higher rents ($1,404 vs. state median $837) reflect suburban Chicago's premium market pricing.

Pricier than Kendall County despite lower rents

Kane County's $1,404 rent undercuts Kendall County's $1,763, yet owner costs favor Kendall ($1,976 vs. $1,778). Both counties command Chicago-area premiums, but Kane's higher household incomes and lower home values ($303,000 vs. $298,900) create different affordability dynamics.

Kane County's affluent housing balance

Renters pay $1,404/month while homeowners average $1,778/month, consuming roughly 17% and 21% of household income respectively. The median home value of $303,000 reflects suburban Chicago positioning, but robust household incomes of $100,678 support these higher price points.

Premium pricing in suburban Chicago

Kane County suits middle- to upper-middle-class families prioritizing Chicago-area proximity over rock-bottom costs. Compare rents and home values with adjacent Kendall County, which offers slightly higher affordability stress but similar market positioning.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kane County

via IncomeByCounty

Kane County's Incomes Far Exceed National Average

Kane County's median household income of $100,678 towers over the national median of $74,755—a remarkable $25,923 premium. This 35% advantage places Kane County among the most economically robust counties nationally.

Illinois's Affluent Suburban Powerhouse

At $100,678, Kane County ranks among Illinois's highest-income counties, far surpassing the state median of $68,580 by roughly $32,000. The county's per capita income of $46,013 also substantially exceeds the state average of $36,009.

Kane County Dominates the Regional Economy

Kane County earnings of $100,678 dwarf all neighboring counties except Kendall County ($110,474). The county outearns Jefferson County by nearly $40,000, signaling its status as a major employment and economic hub.

High Earnings Meet Premium Home Costs

Kane County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable despite median home values of $303,000. Strong household incomes enable residents to comfortably manage higher-cost housing in this prosperous region.

Maximize Wealth-Building Opportunities

Kane County's high incomes position households to pursue aggressive wealth-building strategies beyond homeownership. Invest in diversified portfolios, explore real estate investment, and consider entrepreneurial ventures to compound wealth across generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kane County

via CrimeByCounty

Kane County offers elite national safety levels

Kane County's total crime rate of 326.7 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This yields a high safety score of 99.5, making it one of the more secure populated areas in the country.

Outperforming the Illinois safety average

The county's safety score of 99.5 comfortably beats the Illinois average of 98.7. Despite having 23 reporting agencies, the total crime rate of 326.7 remains well below the state average of 835.0.

A safe anchor in the Chicago suburbs

Kane County maintains a much lower violent crime rate at 35.0 compared to the national average of 369.8. Its property crime rate of 291.7 is also remarkably low for a county with its population density.

Analyzing the crime mix in Kane

Property crime represents nearly 90% of all reported incidents in the county, totaling 291.7 per 100,000 people. Violent crime is rare, occurring at a rate of just 35.0 per 100,000 residents.

Smart security for suburban living

With property crime as the main factor, using smart locks and alarm systems can further reduce local risks. Staying connected with local law enforcement across the 23 agencies ensures the community stays informed.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Kane County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban-Suburban School Hub

Kane County hosts a sprawling educational infrastructure of 165 public schools serving a massive population of 87,912 students. Managed by 14 districts, the system includes 86 elementary, 27 middle, and 36 high schools. It is a diverse landscape that includes 25 alternative schools and 6 special education centers.

Strong Graduation Trends on a Global Scale

The county maintains an 87.2% graduation rate, slightly above the national average, with a composite school score of 57.8. Funding is robust at $9,684 per pupil, which exceeds the state average of $9,250. This balance of high enrollment and steady funding supports a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Aurora East and St. Charles Anchor the Region

Aurora East USD 131 is the largest district with 12,619 students across 20 schools, closely followed by St. Charles CUSD 303 with 11,801 students. Kane County also offers school choice through 2 charter schools, representing 1.2% of its total inventory. Large-scale high schools like East High (4,197 students) define the regional educational experience.

A Blend of Suburbs and City Life

The majority of Kane County's schools are suburban (120), though 26 schools serve city locales. The average school size is 676 students, reflecting the high-density nature of the area compared to neighboring rural counties. Students here navigate large, vibrant campuses with extensive resources and diverse peer groups.

Join a Dynamic Educational Community

Kane County is ideal for families who want the variety and resource depth of a large-scale school system. Whether you prefer the suburban excellence of St. Charles or the urban energy of Aurora, the schools here are a major draw for homebuyers. Find your next home in a district that offers unparalleled academic and specialized program options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kane County

via RiskByCounty

Kane County faces significantly elevated risk

Kane County's composite risk score of 94.59 ranks it in the relatively high-risk category, nearly 75% above Illinois's state average of 54.46. The county's exposure to tornadoes (98.63), floods (95.48), and earthquakes (86.39) makes it one of Illinois's most disaster-prone counties.

Among Illinois's highest-risk counties

Kane County's 94.59 score ranks it well above the state average of 54.46, placing it in the upper tier of risk statewide. Only a handful of Illinois counties approach this level of compound natural hazard exposure.

Significantly riskier than nearby counties

Kane County's 94.59 score far exceeds Kendall County (80.25) to the south and Jo Daviess County (51.30) to the north. This makes Kane among the riskiest counties in northern Illinois and the surrounding region.

Tornados and floods are critical threats

Kane County faces exceptional tornado risk of 98.63—among the highest in the nation—and flood risk of 95.48, creating severe compound exposure. Earthquake risk of 86.39 and moderate wildfire exposure of 32.73 add additional layers of hazard vulnerability.

Maximum insurance and reinforcement needed

Kane County residents should maintain the most comprehensive homeowners coverage available, including separate flood and earthquake policies. Investing in a reinforced safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection is strongly recommended given the county's exceptional storm exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Kane County

via WaterByCounty

Kane County Maintains Exceptional Water Safety

Kane County holds a Grade A for drinking water compliance, reporting only five health violations in a five-year period. Its violation rate of 0.9 per 100,000 is remarkably low compared to the state average of 48.7. Residents can have high confidence in the safety of their public water systems.

Heavy Impairment Noted in Urbanizing Watersheds

Despite clean tap water, 55.2% of the 636 assessed water bodies in Kane County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Total phosphorus and suspended solids are the leading causes of these impairments according to 2022 data. Mercury levels also contribute to the poor health of local aquatic environments.

High Monitoring Density Supports Water Safety

Kane County is home to 23 monitoring sites that have generated 7,825 measurements over the last five years. The focus on pesticides and metals reflects the county's mix of agricultural and urban land uses. This robust data network allows for rapid detection of changing environmental conditions.

Fox River Running at Half Typical Flow

The Fox River at Montgomery is currently discharging 879 cfs, about 52% of its long-term mean of 1,686 cfs. This below-average flow can affect recreation and the river's capacity to transport nutrients. Monitoring continues as the river basin faces drier-than-normal conditions.

Support Healthy Streams by Reducing Runoff

While tap water is safe, the high level of impairment in the Fox River suggests a need for better stormwater management. Residents can help by minimizing fertilizer use, which contributes to the county's phosphorus problem. Watch for low-flow alerts that may impact the concentration of solids and pollutants in the river.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kane County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and drier than median

Kane County's average annual temperature of 49.5°F falls below the national median. The area experiences moderate precipitation at 37.8 inches per year, which is lower than many coastal or southern regions.

Below the Illinois state average

The county's 49.5°F average temperature is cooler than the 52.8°F state average. Its annual precipitation of 37.8 inches is also nearly four inches below the state norm of 41.7 inches.

Comparable to its northern neighbors

Kane is slightly warmer than Lake County, which averages 48.4°F. However, it sees less snowfall than Lake, recording 32.8 inches compared to Lake's 43.3 inches.

Defining Midwestern seasonal swings

Kane experiences 16 days of extreme heat over 90°F during the July peak of 73.7°F. Winter temperatures drop to an average of 25.8°F, bringing a substantial 32.8 inches of annual snow.

Plan for variable winter conditions

Residents need to prepare for over 32 inches of snow while maintaining HVAC systems for 16 extreme heat days. Outdoor planning should account for a drier overall climate compared to the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kane County

via SoilByCounty

High-Performing Kane County Soils

Kane County boasts a soil score of 85.6, far exceeding the state average of 73.6. Its average pH of 6.29 is nearly ideal for nutrient availability, sitting just below the state and national benchmarks.

Balanced Texture for Heavy Use

The soil mix contains 15.6% sand, 59.0% silt, and 21.0% clay. This balanced composition offers a great compromise between easy drainage and strong nutrient retention for intense agricultural production.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

The organic matter content is a staggering 6.25%, more than double the Illinois state average. This rich biological material, paired with a high water capacity of 0.221 in/in, makes this some of the most fertile land in the country.

Regional Water Dynamics

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the county's exceptional soil score suggests superior natural management of water and nutrients. The high organic matter helps the soil act like a sponge, reducing the risk of rapid runoff.

Productive Gardening in Zone 5b

In Zone 5b, the incredibly rich soil supports massive yields for corn, squash, and pumpkins. Gardeners here will find they need very little fertilizer thanks to the naturally high organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kane County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions in Kane County

Kane County offers a favorable lawn difficulty score of 71.5, making it slightly easier to manage than the average Illinois county. Located in hardiness zone 5b, the area supports classic northern lawn varieties that thrive in temperate climates. You start with a strong baseline for a healthy, green landscape.

Temperate Summers and Steady Precipitation

The county averages 37.8 inches of annual precipitation and only 16 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the state average of 27. These conditions are ideal for cool-season grasses that struggle when temperatures stay above 90 degrees. With 3,070 growing degree days, the season is long enough for robust turf development but avoids excessive heat stress.

Solid Foundation for Root Growth

The soil pH stands at 6.29, which is comfortably within the ideal range for a lush lawn. With 21.0% clay and 15.6% sand, the soil provides a good balance of moisture retention and structural support. Most homeowners will find their soil requires only standard fertilization rather than major structural amendments.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

Over the past year, the county spent 28 weeks in drought, with about 93.5% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. While not severe, these conditions require consistent monitoring of soil moisture during the peak of summer. Aerating your lawn in the fall can help water reach deeper into the root zone during these dry periods.

Planting for the 5b Climate

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are the stars of the show in Kane County's 5b zone. The best time to seed is between the last spring frost on April 26 and the first fall frost on October 18. Late summer and early autumn seeding allows these grasses to establish before the ground freezes in the winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kane County's county score?
Kane County, Illinois has a composite county score of 47.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Kane County rank among counties in Illinois?
Kane County ranks #77 among all counties in Illinois on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Kane County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Kane County is $7,230, with an effective tax rate of 2.39%. This earns Kane County a tax score of 1.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kane County?
The median household income in Kane County, Illinois is $100,678 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kane County earns an income score of 95.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kane County, Illinois a good place to live?
Kane County scores 47.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Kane County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Kane County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.