Kankakee 62 Average
Kankakee Livability #832 ranked city in Illinois#16,432 ranked city in the USARanks better than 43% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Kankakee

PROS
  • Commute 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

What's it like Living in Kankakee?

Located in the state of Illinois, Kankakee is a medium-sized city with a population of 26,461 people. Individuals of White (48%) and Black or African American (41%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 44% of the Kankakee population is married.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Kankakee, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like commute, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Kankakee and in the areas around Kankakee is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Kankakee has received a livability score of 62 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 45th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Kankakee has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Kankakee. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F), crime (D-), education (F) and employment (D-).

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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Kankakee. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Kankakee are affordable. The median home price for Kankakee homes is $158,319, which is 48.7% 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 2.7, which is 22.9% 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) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.