Kankakee County Public RecordsIllinois

Kankakee County, IL, had about 61,000 registered voters in 2022. Elections include general, primary, and consolidated local contests. In the 2020 Presidential election, 55.6% voted Republican and 42.1% Democrat. The county has over 50 polling locations, managed by the Kankakee County Clerk’s Office. Key issues include property taxes and public safety. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, with Republicans holding a majority in county offices. Early voting and mail-in options are available, with 19,474 ballots cast early or by mail in the 2022 general election.

As of 2023, Kankakee County, IL, has an estimated population of approximately 105,000. About 24% are under 18, and 16% are 65 or older. The gender distribution is roughly 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is about 68% White, 17% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 12% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with other groups making up the remainder.

Kankakee County, IL, reported a crime rate of approximately 2,200 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, slightly above the national average. Violent crime accounted for about 320 cases per 100,000 people, with property crime making up the majority at 1,880 per 100,000. The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office and local police actively report and respond to crimes, enhancing safety through community programs. Recent years saw a marginal decrease in total reported incidents, but residents are advised to stay vigilant and utilize local safety resources.

Kankakee County, IL, hosts over 60 public schools, including 9 high schools, with a graduation rate around 85%. Approximately 19% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school test score is 37% (state average: 49%). Specialized programs such as STEM and dual enrollment are available. Adult education is supported by institutions like Kankakee Community College, serving approximately 7,000 students yearly. The county invests in school safety, with incident rates below state averages, and many schools employ resource officers and security systems.

As of 2023, Kankakee County, IL, has an employment rate of approximately 59.2%. The leading industries include healthcare and social assistance (16.1%), manufacturing (14.7%), and retail trade (12.3%). Top occupation types are office and administrative support (13.8%), production (10.6%), and sales (9.4%). Most workers (80%) commute by car, with an average commute time of 25.7 minutes. Major employment locations include Kankakee city, Bourbonnais, and Bradley, with over 73% of residents working within Kankakee County.

Kankakee County, IL, has a homeownership rate of about 66%, with median home values near $164,000 and median rents around $950 per month. Property values have risen approximately 6% year-over-year. Housing options range from single-family homes to apartments, primarily in neighborhoods like Bourbonnais and Bradley. Taxes are notable, with average property tax rates around 2.2%. Popular neighborhoods offer a mix of older homes and newer developments, supporting diverse preferences for families and individuals.