Kankakee, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Kankakee, Illinois is 24,384 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 93rd-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $45,119, the median home value is $105,500, and the median age is 36.4.
The population has declined 14.5% since 2010 (27,521 → 23,535).
24,384
Population
1610
People / sq mi
$45,119
Median Income
$105,500
Median Home Value
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Kankakee covers 15.1 sq mi of land at 1610 people per square mile.
About Kankakee, IL
In Kankakee, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $105,500. Kankakee is a city in Illinois with a population of 24,384.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $45,119, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 21.0%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $105,500, with typical rent around $986.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US cities, 12.5%, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 4.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Kankakee city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Kankakee city had a population of 27,521 in 2010 and 23,535 in 2024, a -14.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,521 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.09%.
23,535
Population (2024)
27,521
Population (2010)
27,521
Peak (2010)
-1.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,521 |
| 2011 | 27,507 |
| 2012 | 27,324 |
| 2013 | 27,082 |
| 2014 | 26,803 |
| 2015 | 26,548 |
| 2016 | 26,325 |
| 2017 | 26,132 |
| 2018 | 26,023 |
| 2019 | 26,024 |
| 2020 | 24,007 |
| 2021 | 23,810 |
| 2022 | 23,603 |
| 2023 | 23,571 |
| 2024 | 23,535 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 43.9% |
| Black or African American | 40.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$45,119
Median Household Income
$24,194
Per Capita Income
21.0%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$105,500
Median Home Value
$986
Median Rent
49.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
81.1%
High School+
12.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.0%
Drive Alone
76.4%
Public Transit
4.2%
Work From Home
21.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
10.7%
Foreign Born
77.5%
Non-English at Home
5.8%
Veterans
17.8%
With Disability
90.2%
Health Insurance
90.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.9% |
| Manufacturing | 15.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.6% |
| Retail Trade | 7.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.8% |
| Construction | 5.3% |
| Public Administration | 4.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.2% |
| Information | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kankakee, Illinois has a population of 24,384 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 93rd-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Kankakee, Illinois is $45,119, with 21.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Kankakee, Illinois is $105,500, with median monthly rent at $986 and a homeownership rate of 49.4%.
The median age in Kankakee, Illinois is 36.4 years. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The population has declined 14.5% since 2010 (27,521 → 23,535).
Kankakee city, IL Climate
Kankakee city, IL has an average annual temperature of 10°C (50°F) and receives about 958 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10°C
Avg Temp
958
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 38 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 37 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 73 mm |
| April | 10° / 49° | 99 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 104 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 107 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 91 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 91 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 72 mm |
| November | 5° / 40° | 79 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 67 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Kankakee city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Kankakee city, IL are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kankakee
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.