countyscore
38.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.5Health 92Soil Quality 86.2

County Report Card

About Kendall County, Illinois

Low National Ranking Despite Wealth

Kendall County scores a 38.6 on the composite index, well below the national median of 50.0. While the county is affluent, the extreme cost and tax scores pull down its overall ranking.

Below the Illinois State Average

The county trails the Illinois state average of 52.8 by a significant margin. It represents a high-cost, high-service model that is becoming increasingly expensive for the average resident.

Top-Tier Incomes and Health

The county excels in income (97.5) and health (92.0), with households earning a median of $110,474. Schools are another bright spot, scoring 81.4 for educational quality.

Heavy Tax and Housing Costs

A tax score of 0.5 and cost score of 2.9 highlight the extreme financial pressure here, with rent averaging $1,763. Safety also scores lower than expected at 13.4.

Suited for High-Income Career Seekers

Kendall County is built for high-earning families who prioritize health and education above all else. It requires a significant income to navigate the high housing costs and the state's steepest taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax0.5Cost2.9Safety13.4Health92Schools81.4Income97.5Risk19.8Water69.3Weather51.1
🏛0.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓81.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨86.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.7
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

Kane County
Illinois
47.1
Grundy County
Illinois
44.8
DuPage County
Illinois
54
Will County
Illinois
50.3
DeKalb County
Illinois
37
LaSalle County
Illinois
40.6
Cook County
Illinois
30.3
Kankakee County
Illinois
48

Deep Dives

Kendall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kendall County

via TaxByCounty

Kendall County taxes rank among highest

Kendall County's effective property tax rate of 2.528% stands as among the nation's highest, crushing the national median of 1.825%. Residents shoulder a median annual tax of $7,556—nearly three times the national median of $2,690—driven by both steep rates and elevated home values.

Second-highest taxes in all Illinois

Kendall County ranks 101st among Illinois's 102 counties with a 2.528% effective rate, bested only by Kane County (2.386%)—though Kendall's actual median tax bill of $7,556 tops all counties. This represents one of the state's heaviest property tax burdens.

Steepest rate in the entire region

Kendall County's 2.528% effective rate tops every comparable county, including nearby Kane County (2.386%) and Kankakee County (2.221%). Its median home value of $298,900 combined with this punishing rate generates the highest median tax bill in the entire analysis.

A $298,900 home costs $7,556 yearly

The median Kendall home valued at $298,900 generates an estimated annual property tax of $7,556—the highest among all counties examined. Total annual costs including mortgage insurance climb to roughly $7,697 through escrow accounts.

Assessment appeals essential in Kendall

With the state's highest effective rate and peak median taxes, Kendall County residents face the steepest financial incentive to appeal potentially inflated assessments. Reducing a $7,500+ tax bill even by 10% through a successful challenge could save $750+ annually—a worthwhile effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kendall County

via CostByCounty

Kendall County's premium housing market

Kendall County renters spend 19.1% of income on rent, the highest ratio among these eight Illinois counties and well above the U.S. average of roughly 15%. Despite the highest household income at $110,474—48% above the national median—the $1,763 rent reflects competitive Chicago exurban pricing.

Illinois's highest affordability strain

At 19.1% rent-to-income, Kendall County exceeds Illinois's 14.7% state average by the widest margin of any county here. Median rent of $1,763 more than doubles the state median of $837, driven by Chicago-region suburban demand and rapid development.

Costlier than Kane County next door

Kendall County's $1,763 rent and $1,976 owner costs both exceed neighboring Kane County ($1,404 rent, $1,778 owner costs). Though Kendall home values ($298,900) and Kane values ($303,000) are similar, Kendall renters and owners face steeper monthly payments.

Kendall County's expensive housing profile

Renters pay $1,763/month while homeowners average $1,976/month, consuming roughly 19% and 21% of household income respectively. The median home value of $298,900 reflects exurban Chicago positioning, and only Kendall's exceptionally high household income of $110,474 makes these costs sustainable.

For high-income Chicago commuters only

Kendall County suits affluent families seeking Chicago-area proximity and suburban amenities despite premium pricing. If your household income falls below $110,000, consider neighboring Kane County or southern Illinois alternatives where your budget provides more flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kendall County

via IncomeByCounty

Kendall County Leads the Nation Financially

Kendall County's median household income of $110,474 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $35,719. This 48% premium ranks Kendall among the most prosperous counties in the entire United States.

Illinois's Second-Highest County Income

At $110,474, Kendall County ranks near the top statewide, exceeding Illinois's state median of $68,580 by nearly $42,000. The county's per capita income of $43,127 also significantly outpaces the state average of $36,009.

Kendall Edges Out Even Kane County

Kendall County's $110,474 median edges past Kane County's $100,678 by roughly $9,800, establishing it as the region's top earner. The county vastly outearns all other surveyed counties, with a $47,000+ advantage over Jefferson County.

Premium Incomes Support Premium Housing

Despite a 19.1% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among surveyed counties—Kendall residents comfortably afford it through robust incomes. Median home values of $298,900 remain within reach for households earning $110,000+ annually.

Strategic Wealth Acceleration in Kendall

Kendall County's exceptional incomes unlock advanced wealth-building strategies unavailable to most Americans. Leverage tax-efficient investment structures, explore real estate portfolios, and consider philanthropic planning to preserve and grow substantial family wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kendall County

via CrimeByCounty

Kendall County faces unique safety challenges

Kendall County has a total crime rate of 2,494.8 per 100,000, which is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 96.1, reflecting its higher crime frequency.

Below the Illinois state safety average

Kendall’s safety score of 96.1 falls below the Illinois state average of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 2,494.8 is also nearly three times higher than the Illinois average of 835.0.

Higher crime rates than nearby counties

Unlike its more tranquil neighbors, Kendall County reports a violent crime rate of 705.6 per 100,000. This is nearly double the national violent crime average of 369.8.

A mix of property and violent crime

Property crime is the most common issue at 1,789.2 per 100,000, though it remains below the national average of 2,015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 705.6 is a significant factor in the overall safety score.

Enhanced security is recommended for Kendall

Given the higher crime rates, investing in comprehensive home security systems is a wise choice for residents. Staying alert and reporting suspicious activity to the six local agencies can help drive these numbers down.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Kendall County

via HealthByCounty

Kendall County leads on life expectancy

With a life expectancy of 80.5 years, Kendall County residents outlive the U.S. average of 78.9 years by more than 1.5 years. Only 13.9% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 12%, reflecting exceptional overall health.

Illinois's healthiest county

Kendall County's 80.5-year life expectancy tops Illinois by a significant margin—4.5 years above the state average of 76.0 years—making it the state's best performer in this dataset. The uninsured rate of 5.4% is also below the state average of 6.3%.

Regional health leader

Kendall County's 80.5-year life expectancy outpaces all regional peers, including Jo Daviess (79.9 years) and Kane (79.8 years). The county's 13.9% poor/fair health rate is the best in the comparison group.

Good coverage, moderate provider access

Kendall County's 5.4% uninsured rate ranks among the state's best, and residents benefit from decent primary care availability at 30 per 100,000 residents. Mental health services at 144 per 100,000 are adequate for a high-performing county.

Maintain excellent coverage

Kendall County's strong health outcomes are supported by above-average insurance coverage and good provider access. Continue exploring marketplace and employer options to keep the county's coverage rates among the state's best.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kendall County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rapidly Growing Suburban School System

Kendall County supports a high-enrollment population of 29,732 students across 49 public schools. The infrastructure is managed by 7 districts and includes 23 elementary, 10 middle, and 9 high schools. The system is designed for growth, featuring 4 alternative schools and 4 special education centers to support all learners.

Exceptional Outcomes and Focused Investment

Kendall County achieves a standout 95.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 88.8%. Despite a lower-than-average per-pupil expenditure of $8,762, the county maintains a strong school score of 60.0. This indicates that the local districts are highly effective at translating resources into student success.

Oswego CUSD 308 Dominates the Region

Oswego CUSD 308 is the county's largest district by a wide margin, serving 16,940 students in 22 schools. Yorkville CUSD 115 also manages a large population of 6,937 students. The county operates exclusively through traditional districts, with 0% of its schools being charter-based.

Large Suburban Campuses and Rural Borders

The educational experience is primarily suburban, with 33 schools in suburban locales and 16 in rural areas. Schools here are large, with an average enrollment of 725 students; Oswego High School alone serves 2,901 students. This environment offers students access to a wide array of specialized courses and high-level athletics.

Move Near One of Illinois' Top Districts

Kendall County's combination of high graduation rates and modern suburban schools makes it a magnet for families. Living in districts like Yorkville or Oswego places your children in some of the most successful schools in the region. Start your home search today and discover why Kendall County is a leader in Illinois public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kendall County

via RiskByCounty

Kendall County faces elevated tornado exposure

Kendall County's composite risk score of 80.25 exceeds Illinois's state average of 54.46 by roughly 47%, earning a relatively low risk rating. The score reflects significant tornado risk (89.66) and flood exposure (79.74), though other hazard types remain more moderate.

Upper-tier risk among Illinois counties

Kendall County's 80.25 score places it in the upper range of statewide risk, significantly above the state average of 54.46. The county's tornado risk of 89.66 is among the highest in Illinois, while flood risk of 79.74 also ranks above most counties.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Kendall County's 80.25 score exceeds Johnson County (51.08) and Jo Daviess County (51.30) but falls below Kane County (94.59) and Kankakee County (88.23). This positions Kendall as a moderate-to-high-risk county in its region.

Tornadoes and floods are dominant threats

Kendall County's tornado risk of 89.66 is exceptionally high, while flood risk of 79.74 represents the second major hazard. Earthquake exposure of 66.48 is moderate, and wildfire and hurricane risks remain minimal at 14.25 and 9.93 respectively.

Storm and flood protection is critical

Kendall County residents should prioritize flood insurance and ensure comprehensive tornado coverage through their homeowners policy or a separate rider. Building or designating a safe room, securing outdoor objects, and maintaining emergency supplies are essential given the county's exceptional tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kendall County

via WeatherByCounty

A typical temperate Midwestern climate

While temperature data for Kendall County is limited, its 40 inches of annual precipitation is near the national median. This suggests a climate that supports diverse agriculture and distinct seasonal changes.

Near the Illinois state average

Kendall’s 40 inches of annual precipitation is slightly below the Illinois state average of 41.7 inches. Other temperature metrics are currently unavailable, though the county generally follows northern Illinois patterns.

Similar rainfall to its neighbors

Kendall receives 40 inches of rain, which is more than Kane County’s 37.8 inches. It shares the same humid continental characteristics as nearby LaSalle County.

Predictable precipitation throughout the year

The county receives a steady 40 inches of annual precipitation, though specific seasonal temperature extremes are not currently recorded. Like its neighbors, it likely faces cold winters and warm, humid summers.

Manage moisture and seasonal shifts

Homeowners should focus on moisture management to handle the 40 inches of rain. Without specific heat data, residents should follow regional trends by preparing for cold winters and hot summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kendall County

via SoilByCounty

The Premier Mollisols of Kendall

Kendall County is home to Mollisols, the world's most productive grassland soils, with a perfect average pH of 6.54. This score aligns almost exactly with the national median, providing an ideal chemical baseline for all types of plants.

Dense Silty Clay Loams

The dominant texture is silty clay loam, featuring 23.8% clay and 62.2% silt. This heavy composition creates a firm soil structure that excels at holding onto vital plant nutrients.

Superior Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter is very high at 4.61%, easily besting the state average of 2.94%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.211 in/in, this soil is a powerhouse for sustained plant growth.

Managing Poorly Drained Ground

The soil is classified as poorly drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B/D, indicating that water often lingers near the surface. Effective tiling or raised beds are often necessary for farming and gardening to prevent root rot.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 5b

This Zone 5b region is legendary for its corn and soybean yields, but it is also a paradise for home vegetable gardens. Because the soil is so rich, heavy feeders like cabbage and broccoli will grow exceptionally well here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kendall County

via LawnByCounty

Kendall Leads the Pack in Lawn Ease

Kendall County features an impressive lawn difficulty score of 81.7, the highest in this region. This score indicates that environmental conditions are exceptionally favorable for lawn care compared to the rest of the nation. In this 5b hardiness zone, you have a distinct advantage in creating a high-quality landscape.

Consistent Precipitation Supports Growth

The county receives a reliable 40.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is the sweet spot for maintaining healthy turf. While specific temperature data is limited, the overall climate profile supports a thriving growing season for northern grasses. This consistent moisture reduces the reliance on heavy irrigation systems throughout the year.

Rich, Heavy Soils with High Potential

The soil is a silty clay loam that is naturally poorly drained, requiring careful management of water runoff. With a perfect pH of 6.54 and 23.8% clay, your soil is excellent at holding onto the nutrients provided by fertilizers. You should consider core aeration to help combat soil compaction and improve drainage in this heavy ground.

Exceptional Resilience to Dry Weather

Kendall spent 23 weeks in drought over the last year, but currently has no areas in severe drought status. The heavy clay content in the soil acts as a reservoir, helping lawns stay green longer during dry periods than sandier areas. Maintaining a thick lawn through proper seeding will help shade the soil and keep those moisture reserves intact.

Starting Strong in High-Quality Soil

With such favorable soil and climate, Kentucky bluegrass will thrive and create a dense, professional-looking sod. Although local frost data is limited, mid-August to September is generally the best time for northern Illinois seeding. Your high lawn score means that with just basic care, your grass will likely flourish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kendall County's county score?
Kendall County, Illinois has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Kendall County rank among counties in Illinois?
Kendall County ranks #92 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 Kendall County, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Kendall County is $7,556, with an effective tax rate of 2.53%. This earns Kendall County a tax score of 0.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kendall County?
The median household income in Kendall County, Illinois is $110,474 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kendall County earns an income score of 97.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kendall County, Illinois a good place to live?
Kendall County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Illinois. The best way to evaluate Kendall 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 Kendall County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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