countyscore
48
County Score
Safety 90.5Soil Quality 76.9Lawn Care 74.5

County Report Card

About Kankakee County, Illinois

Slightly Below the National Median

Kankakee County's composite score of 48.0 is just under the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community with high safety standards but significant financial pressures.

Trailing the Illinois State Benchmark

The county sits below the Illinois state average of 52.8. It faces typical challenges for the region, balancing decent public services against a shrinking affordability index.

Excellent Safety and Reliable Schools

A safety score of 90.5 makes this county one of the more secure areas in the region. Schools also perform well with a score of 71.9, supporting a median home value of $185,700.

High Taxes and Environmental Risk

The tax score is very low at 1.8 due to a high 2.221% effective rate. Environmental resilience is another challenge, with a risk score of 11.8.

A Good Fit for Security-Minded Families

This county is best for families who place a high value on safety and educational stability. It is an attractive option for those who are established enough to manage the higher local tax burden.

204060801001.820.390.556.371.962.511.839.652.2Tax1.8Cost20.3Safety90.5Health56.3Schools71.9Income62.5Risk11.8Water39.6Weather52.248/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Kankakee County DNA

Foverall

How Kankakee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kankakee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (90.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (1.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.8-50.2
Cost
20.3-27.7
Safety
90.5+35.5
Health
56.3
Schools
71.9+17.900000000000006
Income
62.5+11.5
Risk
11.8-35.2
Water
39.6-18.4
Weather
52.2
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Think property taxes are too high in Kankakee County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,075/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,325/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.3

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
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48.1

Nearby counties

Will County
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50.3
Grundy County
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44.8
Newton County
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52.4
Iroquois County
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Lake County
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Livingston County
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Ford County
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Kendall County
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Deep Dives

Kankakee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kankakee County

via TaxByCounty

Kankakee taxes run well above national

Kankakee County's effective tax rate of 2.221% towers over the national median of 1.825%, landing it in the top 15% of taxed counties nationwide. Residents pay a median of $4,125 annually—53% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Among Illinois's priciest tax counties

Kankakee County ranks 98th among Illinois's 102 counties with a 2.221% effective rate, sitting well above the state average of 1.831%. Its median tax bill of $4,125 exceeds the state median of $2,782 by nearly 50%, marking it as one of Illinois's higher-tax communities.

Moderate rate but substantial median bill

Kankakee's 2.221% rate falls below Kane County (2.386%) and Kendall County (2.528%), yet its median tax of $4,125 runs deeper than Johnson County ($1,952) or Jefferson County ($2,026). The gap reveals how both rate and home value shape your final bill.

A $185,700 home costs $4,125 yearly

The median Kankakee home valued at $185,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $4,125. Including mortgage insurance, homeowners pay approximately $4,615 through annual escrow.

Assessment review could trim hundreds

With median taxes exceeding $4,100, Kankakee homeowners have substantial incentive to verify their assessments are accurate. A successful appeal reducing your home's assessed value could save hundreds annually with no upfront cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kankakee County

via CostByCounty

Kankakee County faces housing affordability stress

Kankakee County renters spend 18.9% of income on rent, well above the U.S. average of roughly 15% and among the highest stress levels in Illinois. With household income of $68,325 below the national median, the $1,075 rent represents an unusually large budget burden.

Illinois's most strained county affordability

At 18.9% rent-to-income, Kankakee County ranks significantly worse than Illinois's 14.7% state average, indicating severe affordability pressure. Median rent of $1,075 stands 28% above the state median of $837, compounding the burden on below-average incomes.

Unexpectedly high costs for the region

Kankakee County's $1,075 rent and $1,202 owner costs far exceed southern Illinois peers like Johnson ($634 rent) and Jefferson ($862 rent), despite similar or lower household incomes. Its affordability profile more closely resembles suburban Chicago counties than regional neighbors.

Kankakee County's budget squeeze

Renters pay $1,075/month while homeowners average $1,202/month, consuming roughly 19% and 21% of household income respectively. With median home value of $185,700 and household income of $68,325, housing costs consume an outsized share of take-home pay.

Reconsider before relocating here

Kankakee County's housing costs create genuine financial stress relative to incomes and regional alternatives. If relocating to Illinois, explore Johnson, Jefferson, or Knox counties to the south, where housing dollars stretch significantly further for similar income levels.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kankakee County

via IncomeByCounty

Kankakee Household Incomes Lag Nationally

Kankakee County's median household income of $68,325 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $6,430. This 8.6% gap reflects economic conditions somewhat behind the broader U.S. average.

Slightly Below Illinois Average

At $68,325, Kankakee County tracks just below Illinois's state median of $68,580—nearly on par with the state. The county's per capita income of $35,005 slightly trails the state average of $36,009.

Competitive but Modest in Regional Context

Kankakee County earns about $10,800 less than Jersey County and roughly $6,600 above Johnson County. The county occupies a middle position among the region's eight counties in overall household earnings.

Housing Affordability Squeezed

Kankakee County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% edges toward the affordability ceiling, higher than most regional peers. A median home value of $185,700 combined with moderate incomes requires careful household budgeting.

Prioritize Financial Planning in Kankakee

With tighter housing costs and middling incomes, Kankakee households benefit from deliberate financial discipline. Build a structured budget, prioritize debt reduction, and explore employer retirement benefits to establish a stable financial foundation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kankakee County

via CrimeByCounty

Kankakee County shows strong safety metrics

Kankakee County reports a total crime rate of 181.5 per 100,000, far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a stellar safety score of 99.7.

Ranking high among Illinois counties

The county's safety score of 99.7 is significantly higher than the state average of 98.7. With a crime rate of 181.5, Kankakee is much safer than the typical Illinois county average of 835.0.

Setting a standard for regional safety

Kankakee County outpaces many neighbors by keeping its violent crime rate at a low 22.3 per 100,000. This is remarkably lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Understanding Kankakee's low crime figures

The county's property crime rate is 159.2 per 100,000, which accounts for the majority of local offenses. Violent crime is nearly non-existent in the data, making it one of the safest areas in the region.

Proactive steps for a safe home

While the rates are low, residents should continue securing windows and utilizing outdoor lighting. Vigilance in the community helps maintain the impressive 99.7 safety score recorded by local agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Kankakee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Across 42 Campuses

Kankakee County's 16,376 students are served by 42 public schools spread across 14 different districts. The landscape includes 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 10 high schools, ensuring a clear path for student progression. The county also features 3 alternative and 3 special education schools to meet diverse learning needs.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Funding

Kankakee County delivers an impressive 91.7% graduation rate, easily beating the national average of 87%. The county's school score of 59.5 sits above the Illinois state average, achieved with a per-pupil spend of $9,337. This shows a strong return on investment for the community's taxpayers and students alike.

Kankakee SD 111 Leads Local Districts

Kankakee SD 111 is the largest district in the county, managing 11 schools and 4,784 students. Bourbonnais SD 53 also serves a significant cohort of 2,296 students across 5 schools. While the county has a wide variety of traditional schools, there are currently no charter schools in operation.

A Mix of Suburb, City, and Rural Life

The county offers a rare balance of school locales: 15 suburban, 13 rural, and 11 city schools. The average enrollment of 468 students is anchored by large campuses like Bradley-Bourbonnais High, which serves 1,921 students. This diversity allows families to choose the environment—whether city, suburb, or country—that best fits their lifestyle.

Discover Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates exceeding 91%, Kankakee County is a smart choice for education-focused homebuyers. You can find homes in quiet suburban neighborhoods near schools like Liberty Intermediate or in more rural settings with small-town charm. Explore the real estate market in Kankakee and give your children access to high-achieving public districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kankakee County

via RiskByCounty

Kankakee County ranks as relatively moderate risk

Kankakee County's composite risk score of 88.23 exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46 by 62%, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. The county's primary exposure stems from exceptionally high flood (92.46) and tornado (85.91) risks, making it one of the state's more vulnerable areas.

Second-highest risk among Illinois counties

At 88.23, Kankakee County ranks among the very highest-risk counties in Illinois, exceeded only by a handful of counties including Kane County. The county's flood and tornado scores are among the most severe statewide.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Kankakee County's 88.23 score substantially exceeds Kendall County (80.25) to the west and Johnson County (51.08) to the south. Only Kane County to the north approaches similar risk levels in the region.

Floods and tornadoes create urgent hazards

Kankakee County faces exceptional flood risk of 92.46 and tornado risk of 85.91, both among the highest in Illinois. Earthquake risk of 80.47 rounds out the county's multi-hazard profile, though wildfire exposure remains manageable at 20.26.

Flood and storm insurance are essential

Kankakee County residents must maintain active flood insurance and comprehensive homeowners coverage for tornado damage—these are non-negotiable given the county's extreme exposure. Elevating utilities, installing storm shutters, and identifying a safe room are practical protective measures for this high-risk location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Kankakee County

via WaterByCounty

System Challenges Lead to Grade F Rating

Kankakee County has recorded 30 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a Grade F for drinking water compliance. However, its violation rate of 32.9 per 100,000 is still lower than the Illinois state average of 48.7. The high number of violations indicates frequent, localized issues within specific water systems.

Majority of Assessed Waters Are Impaired

Exactly 52.0% of the 398 assessed water bodies in Kankakee County are classified as impaired in the 2022 ATTAINS cycle. Phosphorus, suspended solids, and fecal coliform are the primary pollutants identified. These findings suggest significant impact from both agricultural runoff and urban discharge.

Active Monitoring at Sixteen County Sites

Sixteen monitoring sites have collected 3,163 measurements across Kankakee County since 2019. Data collection efforts are focused on inorganic metals, physical properties, and pesticides. This monitoring footprint provides essential data for managing the health of the Kankakee River basin.

Kankakee River Flows Strong Above Average

The Kankakee River at Momence is discharging 2,480 cfs, which is 115% of its long-term mean flow. This healthy discharge level helps maintain aquatic habitats and dilutes potential contaminants in the water column. The flow is currently well-supported by drainage from its 2,294 square mile area.

Check Local Reports for Violation Updates

Given the Grade F compliance rating, residents should check their annual Consumer Confidence Reports for specific details on health violations. Watershed impairment from fecal coliform suggests avoiding contact with river water after heavy rains. The strong river flow currently helps, but persistent violations require consumer vigilance.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kankakee County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures and steady rain

At 51.2°F, Kankakee County sits just below the national median for annual temperature. The county receives 39.7 inches of precipitation, making it a well-watered region of the American Midwest.

Slightly cooler than state average

The average temperature of 51.2°F is a bit cooler than the Illinois state average of 52.8°F. Precipitation remains close to the state benchmark, trailing by only two inches at 39.7 inches annually.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Kankakee is warmer than Kane County, which averages 49.5°F. It also faces fewer snowfall challenges, recording 23.9 inches compared to the 32.8 inches seen in Kane.

Warm summers and brisk winters

July brings an average of 74.8°F with 21 days of heat exceeding 90°F. Winter is distinct and cold, with a seasonal average of 27.5°F and nearly 24 inches of snow.

Equip for summer and winter

With 21 extreme heat days, efficient cooling is a high priority for local households. Residents should also keep snow shovels ready for the 23.9 inches of typical winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kankakee County

via SoilByCounty

The Sandy Soils of Kankakee

Kankakee County maintains an average pH of 6.39, which matches the state average exactly. Despite the balanced pH, its soil score of 76.9 indicates higher-than-average quality for the state of Illinois.

High Sand Content and Permeability

With 30.9% sand, this soil is much more coarse than most Illinois counties, which typically feature higher silt. The 45.6% silt and 20.5% clay help provide enough structure to prevent the soil from becoming purely sandy.

Rich Organic Matter, Lower Storage

The soil is remarkably rich with 5.20% organic matter, well above the 2.94% state average. However, its available water capacity of 0.189 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, meaning it can dry out quickly despite its fertility.

Managing Rapid Water Movement

Specific drainage classifications are unavailable, but the high sand content suggests rapid infiltration rates. Landowners should be aware that while the soil is fertile, nutrients may leach more quickly than in heavier clay soils.

Excellent for Root Crops in 5b

Zone 5b gardeners in Kankakee will find the sandy texture perfect for growing straight, healthy carrots and parsnips. Frequent watering or mulching is recommended to compensate for the soil's lower water-holding capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kankakee County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Lawn Success in Kankakee

Kankakee County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 74.5, placing it well above both the state and national averages. This 5b hardiness zone provides a climate that is highly conducive to maintaining a vibrant lawn with moderate effort. Your environment is statistically one of the best in the state for home landscaping.

Optimal Rainfall and Growing Windows

Annual precipitation of 39.7 inches is almost perfectly situated within the ideal 30-50 inch range. The county sees 21 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average, meaning your grass spends more time growing and less time in heat-induced dormancy. A healthy 3,373 growing degree days provide a consistent window for lawn maintenance.

Sandy Texture with Balanced pH

Kankakee's soil is notably sandier than its neighbors, at 30.9%, which can lead to faster drainage. The pH of 6.39 is excellent, but the higher sand content means you may need to water more frequently during dry spells as the soil doesn't hold moisture as long as clay-heavy ground. Regular applications of organic matter like compost can help improve this water retention.

Managing Drainage During Dry Weeks

The county experienced 31 weeks in drought over the last year, and 75.3% of the area remains abnormally dry. Because of the sandier soil, drought effects can show up faster here than in other parts of Illinois. Focus on using drought-tolerant grass blends to minimize the need for supplemental irrigation.

The Perfect Window to Start

Plan your major lawn work between the April 19 spring frost and the October 24 fall frost. Turf-type tall fescue is a great option for the sandier soils of Kankakee due to its deep root system. Seeding in the early fall gives the grass the best chance to mature before the winter cold sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kankakee County's county score?
Kankakee County, Illinois has a composite county score of 48 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 Kankakee County rank among counties in Illinois?
Kankakee County ranks #74 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 Kankakee County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Kankakee County is $4,125, with an effective tax rate of 2.22%. This earns Kankakee County a tax score of 1.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kankakee County?
The median household income in Kankakee County, Illinois is $68,325 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kankakee County earns an income score of 62.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kankakee County, Illinois a good place to live?
Kankakee County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Kankakee 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 Kankakee 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.