Kankakee, IL
Population 24,384 · Illinois
About Kankakee, IL
Kankakee is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 24,384 residents. The median household income is $45,119 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Kankakee is 36.4 years.
Housing in Kankakee has a median home value of $105,500 and median monthly rent of $986. Of the 11,309 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,603 owner-occupied and 4,709 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Kankakee is 7.3% and the poverty rate is 27.8%. 12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.6 minutes.
Cost of Living in Kankakee, IL
Compared to national averages, Kankakee has a median household income of $45,119 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,500, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $986 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Kankakee's income is 40% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 36% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Kankakee, IL?
Kankakee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $986/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,119) that falls below the national average. However, Kankakee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kankakee has a population of 24,384 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Kankakee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Kankakee
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion | 24,466 | $62,574 | $179,100 | Compare |
| Belvidere | 24,510 | $62,462 | $153,100 | Compare |
| Melrose Park | 24,513 | $64,740 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Homer Glen | 24,516 | $128,546 | $400,000 | Compare |
| Westmont | 24,201 | $83,622 | $369,100 | Compare |
| Collinsville | 24,126 | $65,170 | $157,700 | Compare |
| Morton Grove | 24,687 | $106,078 | $377,000 | Compare |
| South Elgin | 23,984 | $123,744 | $296,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kankakee
What is the population of Kankakee, IL?
The population of Kankakee, IL is 24,384 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Kankakee?
The median household income in Kankakee, IL is $45,119 per year.
What is the median home value in Kankakee?
The median home value in Kankakee, IL is $105,500.
What is the average rent in Kankakee?
The median monthly rent in Kankakee, IL is $986.
What is the unemployment rate in Kankakee?
The unemployment rate in Kankakee, IL is 7.3%.