Kankakee 62 Average
Kankakee Livability #843 ranked city in Illinois#16,082 ranked city in the USARanks better than 45% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Kankakee

PROS
  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

  • Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

  • Health & Safety

    Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.

  • Schools

    Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.

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What's it like Living in Kankakee?

Kankakee is a mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 25,818 inhabitants. Kankakee is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (48%) and Black or African American (41%). In Kankakee, only 44% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle.

Are you trying to decide if living in Kankakee is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Kankakee and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Kankakee to Illinois and the national average.

With a livability score of 58/100, Kankakee is ranked #19,066 in the United States and #953 in Illinois. This is a poor rating when compared to the average of other places in the country. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Kankakee ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B-) Kankakee does not rank well for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (D-). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Kankakee market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Kankakee real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Kankakee. The median home price for Kankakee homes is $87,000, which is 50.2% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kankakee, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 26.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Kankakee

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Compare Kankakee, IL Livability

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      Kankakee transportation information

      Statistic Kankakee Illinois National
      Average one way commute22min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.2%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.8%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.4%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.3%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home2.1%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Kankakee, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).