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).
Where to stay in Kankakee
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.