countyscore
48.3
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.

204060801001.421.490.556.371.964.811.839.652.2Tax1.4Cost21.4Safety90.5Health56.3Schools71.9Income64.8Risk11.8Water39.6Weather52.248.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Kankakee County DNA

Foverall

How Kankakee County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Kankakee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (90.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (1.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.4-50.6
Cost
21.4-26.6
Safety
90.5+35.5
Health
56.3
Schools
71.9+17.900000000000006
Income
64.8+13.799999999999997
Risk
11.8-35.2
Water
39.6-18.4
Weather
52.2
Sponsored

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

$192,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,097/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$192,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,281/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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Nearby counties

Will County
Illinois
50.4
Grundy County
Illinois
44.8
Newton County
Indiana
53.3
Iroquois County
Illinois
50.8
Lake County
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Livingston County
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52
Ford County
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Kendall County
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38.7

Deep Dives

Kankakee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 48.3 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 #73 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 $4,266, with an effective tax rate of 2.21%. This earns Kankakee County a tax score of 1.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kankakee County?
The median household income in Kankakee County, Illinois is $71,281 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kankakee County earns an income score of 64.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kankakee County, Illinois a good place to live?
Kankakee County scores 48.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.