Kankakee County, Illinois Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Kankakee County is located in Illinois with a total population of 106,833. It is the 18th most populous county out of 102 in Illinois.

Age Demographics

The median age in Kankakee County is 39.0 years. This is about average than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Kankakee County is $68,325. This is 16% lower than the state median of $81,702. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%. This is 7% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. This is 13% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $185,700. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $250,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Kankakee County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Kankakee County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 68.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 14.6%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 5.8%.

Education

20.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 37.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.0%.