Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kankakee, IL
Considering a move to Kankakee, IL? This friendly city of 24,052 offers affordable living with a median home price of $115,000 and average 2-bedroom rent around $950. While property crime rates are higher than average, Kankakee features short 22-minute commutes, accessible healthcare, and a low cost of living index of 82.5. Families enjoy local schools, nearby colleges, and four beautiful seasons highlighted by warm summers and plenty of sunny days.
Demographics - Kankakee, IL
Demographics - Kankakee, IL
Kankakee is home to about 24,000 residents, featuring a diverse community with a nearly even split between White (41%) and Black (39%) populations, and a median age of 34.5 years. The city’s moderate population density and a notable 13.5% of non-English speakers contribute to its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
24,052
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.5
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
41.2%
Black:
38.6%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
18.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kankakee, IL?
Living in Kankakee is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $115,000 and an average rent of $950 for a two-bedroom. The cost of living index is well below the national average at 82.5, making housing and daily expenses more affordable for residents.
Median House Value:
$115,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Kankakee, IL a safe place to live?
Kankakee experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 715 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,850 per 100,000 residents. While the chance of property crime is about 1 in 35, being aware of the area’s safety measures can help residents feel secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
715
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,850
Crime Index:
3,565
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 140
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Kankakee, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The city receives around 38 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny weather 54% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Typical household income in Kankakee is around $42,700, with a median income of $26,300 and a relatively high poverty rate of 24.9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 22.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$26,300
Household Income:
$42,700
Family Income:
$51,500
Per Capita Income:
$21,100
Income Male:
$33,400
Income Female:
$28,700
Poverty Rate:
24.9%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Kankakee, IL?
Families benefit from a range of educational opportunities, including public and private schools, as well as nearby colleges like Kankakee Community College and Olivet Nazarene University. Local schools feature reasonable student-teacher ratios and serve diverse student populations.
Public Schools
Name:
Kankakee High School
Street:
1200 W Jeffery St
Phone:
815-802-5500
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Kennedy Middle Grade School
Street:
1550 W Calista St
Phone:
815-802-5700
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
Bishop McNamara Catholic School
Street:
550 W Brookmont Blvd
Phone:
815-932-7413
Students:
600
Colleges
Name:
Kankakee Community College
City:
Kankakee
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
Olivet Nazarene University
City:
Bourbonnais
State:
IL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kankakee is easily accessible, with two major hospitals offering emergency services and a strong physician-to-population ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Over 92% of the population has health insurance, ensuring most residents receive needed medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Riverside Medical Center
Address:
350 N Wall St, Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone:
(815) 933-1671
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee
Address:
500 W Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone:
(815) 937-2400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kankakee, IL?
The housing market in Kankakee is affordable, with a median home price of $115,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $950. Owner-occupancy stands at 48%, and the market has seen a steady 5.2% home appreciation rate over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$115,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.6%
DMV Information
Kankakee residents can handle driver and vehicle services at the local Illinois Secretary of State Facility on E Court St. The DMV offers convenient access to licensing, registration, and other essential services, with details available on the state website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
1111 E Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.