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 a county in Illinois with a population of 106,833. It ranks #18 among counties in Illinois by population. The median age is 39.0, in line with the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Kankakee County is $68,325, below the US median of $74,580. 8.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $185,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,075. The homeownership rate of 68.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kankakee County reflects 20.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.9 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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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.