Cost of Living in Kankakee County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kankakee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kankakee County, Illinois
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.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kankakee County
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,594
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Kankakee County
Median home value is $185,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,483 vs. your max of $1,594.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.