Kankakee County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in Illinois
The population of Kankakee County, Illinois is 106,833 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $68,325, the median home value is $185,700, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Kankakee County has declined 6.2% since 2010 (113,420 → 106,410), a -0.45% annualized rate.
106,833
Population
-0.45%
Annual growth
158
People / sq mi
$68,325
Median Income
$185,700
Median Home Value
Kankakee County covers 676 sq mi of land at 157.9 people per square mile.
About Kankakee County, IL
Kankakee County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.3% of the population. With 106,833 residents, Kankakee County is a county in Illinois. It ranks #18 among counties in Illinois by population.
Median household income is $68,325, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $185,700, with typical rent around $1,075.
20.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 7.2% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Kankakee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kankakee County had a population of 113,420 in 2010 and 106,410 in 2024, a -6.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 113,532 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.45%.
106,410
Population (2024)
113,420
Population (2010)
113,532
Peak (2011)
-0.45%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 113,420 |
| 2011 | 113,532 |
| 2012 | 112,995 |
| 2013 | 112,764 |
| 2014 | 111,916 |
| 2015 | 111,786 |
| 2016 | 111,066 |
| 2017 | 110,530 |
| 2018 | 109,863 |
| 2019 | 109,569 |
| 2020 | 107,403 |
| 2021 | 106,757 |
| 2022 | 106,221 |
| 2023 | 106,386 |
| 2024 | 106,410 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 74.5% |
| Black or African American | 14.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
17.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 17.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,325$-13,377 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,248 |
| Per-capita income | $35,005 |
| Poverty rate | 8.7%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kankakee County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
7.2%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$185,700$-64,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,075
Median rent
68.8%
Homeownership rate
45,396
Total housing units
90.1%
Occupied
9.9%
Vacant
31.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.4%
With health insurance
93.6%
With broadband internet
13.3%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
89.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.0%
High School+
20.4%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kankakee County, Illinois has a population of 106,833 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 158 people per square mile.
The population of Kankakee County has declined 6.2% since 2010 (113,420 → 106,410), a -0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kankakee County, Illinois is $68,325, with mean (average) household income of $90,248 and per-capita income of $35,005. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kankakee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (74.5%), Black or African American (14.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kankakee County, Illinois is 39.0 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Kankakee County is $185,700 and median monthly rent is $1,075. 68.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 45,396 total housing units, 9.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kankakee County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Kankakee County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
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Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.