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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kankakee County ranks #1,792 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kankakee County
Affordability Verdict
Kankakee County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,075/month — about 18.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,075/month rent versus $1,202/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $127/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,514/year. With a median household income of $68,325, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Kankakee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Illinois, Kankakee County is more affordable than Champaign County by roughly 6% ($1,075/mo vs $1,018/mo).
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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