Illinois / Kankakee County

Moving to Kankakee, IL

Thinking of making a move to Kankakee, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kankakee, IL

Considering a move to Kankakee, IL? This welcoming community of 24,052 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $115,000 and average rents near $950. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kankakee's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kankakee, IL

Kankakee has a population of 24,052 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 41% White, 39% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Kankakee is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.5. Median home values are around $115,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 715 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

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?

Kankakee experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $42,700 and a low poverty rate of 24.9%. Over 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 13% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Kankakee offers quality education options, with public schools like Kankakee High School and Kennedy Middle Grade School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Kankakee Community College and Olivet Nazarene University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Kankakee residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Riverside Medical Center and AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $115,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 5.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.5%. Kankakee offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Kankakee handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Facility, conveniently located in Kankakee. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address
1111 E Court St, Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone
1-800-252-8980

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.

FAQs About Moving to Kankakee, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kankakee, review the core fields on this page: population 24,052, median home value $115,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $950, commute time 22.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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