Moving to Kankakee, Illinois
Moving to Kankakee? Compare cost of living, best neighborhoods, commute options, local jobs or schools, and things to do in this practical Illinois guide.
Kankakee County (South of Chicago) • Population: 23,300
About Kankakee
Kankakee makes the most sense for people who want affordability, river access, and a smaller-city rhythm within reach of Chicagoland's southern edge. It is not a polished prestige suburb and should not be judged that way. The better question is whether you want lower housing pressure and outdoor access more than a denser job market or bigger entertainment scene. For some households, especially budget-focused buyers and remote workers, that tradeoff works well.
Best For
- Budget-conscious households that want more room than the Chicago area usually offers
- People who value river access, parks, and a slower day-to-day pace
- Residents seeking a smaller-city environment rather than suburban sprawl
- Remote workers or local workers prioritizing low housing costs
Things to Do in Kankakee
Kankakee River State Park
Excellent hiking and canoeing.
Kankakee River
Fishing, kayaking, scenic beauty.
Historic downtown
Revitalizing with new businesses.
Perry Farm Park
Nature center and trails.
Neighborhoods
Riverview
Best for households who want to stay close to the river and outdoor recreation.
Historic district
Worth comparing if you like older homes and more visible architectural character.
Living in Kankakee: The Cheapest Housing on This List, and an Honest Population Decline
Kankakee's population has been falling for years, from a peak of about 26,800 in 2014 to roughly 23,300 now, and the local numbers reflect it: a 25.5 percent poverty rate, a median household income around $47,500 (well below the county figure), and a school district where 2024 state testing showed math proficiency at 9 percent against a state average of 27 percent. Housing is genuinely, dramatically cheap as a result, with city median sale prices commonly under $170,000, less than a third of nearby suburban markets.
The city is also trying to turn a corner: the Riverview Historic District includes two Frank Lloyd Wright houses, downtown is the site of a 47-unit residential redevelopment (Co.LAB Kankakee) that broke ground in 2025, and Kankakee River State Park gives it real outdoor access most Illinois cities its size do not have. There is no Metra service, despite it being proposed for years; Amtrak's Illini/Saluki service runs three to four trains a day to Chicago Union Station in about 90 minutes.
Who Usually Likes It Here
- Housing cost is the deciding factor and you want the most affordable options within driving distance of Chicagoland.
- You want river access (Kankakee River State Park, fishing, the annual Rhubarb Festival) without a Shawnee-level drive.
- You're comfortable with Amtrak, not Metra, as the rail option to Chicago, or you're not commuting daily at all.
What to Think Through
- !There's no Metra service to Kankakee despite it being proposed for years; Amtrak runs a few trains a day, about 90 minutes to Union Station, which rules out a daily commute for most people.
- !School district performance is genuinely below state averages; if you have school-age kids, look closely at the report card for your specific school before committing.
- !The population has been declining for over a decade, which is worth weighing alongside the low housing cost, not just the price tag alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kankakee
Is Kankakee a good place to live in Illinois?
Kankakee can be a strong fit depending on budget, commute needs, and lifestyle priorities. Review local housing costs, daily travel routes, and neighborhood fit before deciding.
What should I compare before moving to Kankakee?
There's no Metra service to Kankakee despite it being proposed for years; Amtrak runs a few trains a day, about 90 minutes to Union Station, which rules out a daily commute for most people.
What is the cost of living like in Kankakee?
Median Home Price is around $125,000. Average Rent (1BR) is around $750. The real monthly fit still depends on taxes, commute, childcare, and how much of your routine happens in or outside Kankakee.
What are popular areas in Kankakee?
Popular areas in Kankakee usually balance commute convenience, school access, and nearby amenities. Start with neighborhoods listed on this page and compare recent local market trends.
What is Kankakee known for?
Kankakee's population has been falling for years, from a peak of about 26,800 in 2014 to roughly 23,300 now, and the local numbers reflect it: a 25.5 percent poverty rate, a median household income around $47,500 (well below the county figure), and a school district where 2024 state testing showed math proficiency at 9 percent against a state average of 27 percent. Housing is genuinely, dramatically cheap as a result, with city median sale prices commonly under $170,000, less than a third of nearby suburban markets.
Quick Facts
- Median Home Price
- $125,000
- Average Rent (1BR)
- $750
- Distance to Chicago
- 60 miles (1 hour+)
- Character
- Small city, outdoor recreation
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