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.

Score breakdown

Tax1.1Cost6.7Safety85.6Health72Schools60.1Income95.5Risk5.4Water70.1Weather51.5
🏛1.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼95.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨85.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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37
DuPage County
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Kendall County
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McHenry County
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Lake County
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Boone County
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Deep Dives

Kane County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Health in Kane County

via HealthByCounty

Kane County achieves strong life expectancy

Kane County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 79.8 years, nearly 1 year above the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 16.0% report poor or fair health, outperforming the national average of 12%.

Top-tier health outcomes in Illinois

Kane County's 79.8-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Illinois's 76.0-year state average by nearly 4 years, ranking among the state's healthiest counties. However, the uninsured rate of 9.4% is notably higher than the state average of 6.3%.

High life expectancy, coverage concerns

Kane County matches Jo Daviess's strong 79.8-year life expectancy and trails only Kendall County (80.5 years) regionally. Despite excellent health outcomes, its 9.4% uninsured rate is the highest among peer counties, suggesting coverage access is a vulnerability.

Strong health masked by coverage gaps

Kane County's 9.4% uninsured rate—the highest in this group—suggests significant insurance access challenges despite superior health outcomes and solid provider availability (40 primary care and 394 mental health providers per 100,000). This gap signals potential hardship for uninsured households facing medical costs.

Don't go without coverage

With nearly 1 in 10 residents uninsured, Kane County residents should prioritize getting covered through marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer options. Even with strong overall county health, the wrong medical emergency can devastate an uninsured household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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