Illinois Counties Crowd Out Other States on National Tax List

Domination. That’s the word that describes the amount of counties and the property tax rates in the Prairie state compared to the rest of the USA.

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Illinois isn’t just at the top of the average tax bills and rates for metro areas in the country. The Land of Lincoln has the four highest average property tax rates (and 5 of the top 6), with Rockford leading the way nationally at a 2.06% followed by Chicago, Peoria and Champaign at numbers 2-4 and Springfield at #6.

Rockford #1 in property tax rate nationally

When it comes to Illinois counties, of the top 50 in the United States, Illinois takes up 27 places…(!?!) Knox County leads the way in-state with a property tax rate of 2.19%. Kendall County and then Lake County. Illinois places 3 in the top 10 counties nationally when it comes to property tax rates. 8 of the top 20 in the country, and 14 of the top 30.

Knox County top property tax rate in Illinois (8th nationally)

These numbers continue to grow and are a factor in families leaving for other states. The question that these numbers beg is: What are we getting for all those property taxes being paid? The thought used to be, if you wanted elite schools, streets, public services you had to pay higher taxes. If that is the case Illinois counties should have most of the best schools, streets and public services nationally….Do we?

Wheaton Warrenville South High School

Illinois has 2 counties on this list of best schools per county nationally. The odd thing is the best rated Illinois county for schools isn’t on the top 27 list for property taxes. DuPage County is the Illinois county that is getting it done. Lake County is ranked 10^th nationally in property tax rate and 44^th for schools.