North Kankakee, East Illinois, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,787
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,125/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,690
-0.3% year-over-year change

North Kankakee population

How many people live in North Kankakee

North Kankakee is home to 18,787 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of North Kankakee locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
18,787
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
9,348
Female
50.2%
9,439
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,348 49.8% -2.3%
Female 9,439 50.2% 1.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in North Kankakee is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.8% of the population, while another 26.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
21.8%
45 to 64
26.5%
Over 65
20.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,302 17.6% -5.4%
15 to 24 2,562 13.6% 9.6%
25 to 44 4,089 21.8% -4.2%
45 to 64 4,980 26.5% 3.2%
Over 65 3,854 20.5% -2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In North Kankakee, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.7% of locals are Caucasian, 4.3% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 18,270 97.2% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 332 1.8% 6.4%
Non-citizens 185 1% 107.9%
Racial breakdown
White
86.7%
Black or African American
4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 16,293 86.7%
Black or African American 806 4.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 168 0.9%
Asian 121 0.6%
Two or more races 1,124 6%
Other 274 1.5%

Households in North Kankakee

A peek inside North Kankakee households

North Kankakee has 7,343 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.6% are families, while the remaining 38.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,343
-1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,822
Family households
4,521
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,822 38.4% -1.3%
Family households 4,521 61.6% -0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in North Kankakee

The housing landscape of North Kankakee

North Kankakee's housing consists of 7,690 units, with 61.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,690
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,735 61.6%
1 unit, attached 876 11.4%
2 units 107 1.4%
3 or 4 units 394 5.1%
5 to 9 units 271 3.5%
10 to 19 units 238 3.1%
20 to 49 units 113 1.5%
50 or more units 22 0.3%
Mobile home 934 12.2%
Homes built since 2020
27
125.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Kankakee

In North Kankakee, the median construction year is 1989. About 8.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 653 8.5% -7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 105 1.4% 5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 304 4% 10.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 581 7.6% -0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,018 13.2% -1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 987 12.8% -7.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,810 23.5% 1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,758 22.9% 3.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 447 5.8% 0.2%
Built in 2020 or later 27 0.4% 125.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

North Kankakee occupancy rates

Out of the 7,343 occupied housing units in North Kankakee, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,343
-1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,991
Owner occupied
5,352
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,991 27.1% -3.4%
Owner occupied 5,352 72.9% -0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

North Kankakee housing costs

Housing costs in North Kankakee come to a median of $1,368 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,210.

Median housing costs per month
$1,368/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in North Kankakee
$1,210/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in North Kankakee

North Kankakee education at a glance

About 38.3% of the population in North Kankakee went to high school, while 26.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.9% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 298 2.1% -17.2%
High school diploma 5,514 38.3% 0.0%
College diploma 3,854 26.8% 5.5%
Associate degree 1,423 9.9% -11.3%
Bachelor's degree 2,204 15.3% 1.7%
Graduate degree 1,100 7.6% 13.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in North Kankakee

How much people earn in North Kankakee

The average annual household income in North Kankakee was $115,361 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,125, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Kankakee
$115,361/year
-1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Kankakee
$89,125/year
0.5% year-over-year change

North Kankakee income by age

In North Kankakee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $102,132. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,663 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $22,031, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,289 in earnings. Overall, 92.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $22,031 -65.0%
25 - 44 $102,132 -3.4%
45 - 64 $104,663 -8.1%
Over 65 $59,289 -0.9%
Above poverty level
16,453
Below poverty level
1,260
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,453 92.9% -1.0%
Below poverty level 1,260 7.1% 4.8%

Employment in North Kankakee

Workforce and job types in North Kankakee

69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,251
Blue collar
2,796
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,251 69.1% -0.3%
Blue collar 2,796 30.9% 4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
10.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 807 8.9% 3.2%
Private companies 6,311 69.8% 2.6%
Governmental workers 949 10.5% -10.2%
Not for profit companies 980 10.8% 3.0%

Transportation in North Kankakee

How people get around in North Kankakee

Commuting methods vary: 96% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,365 96% -0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.2% -17.6%
Railroad 41 0.5% -4.7%
Bicycle 4 0% 300.0%
Walk 247 3.2% 57.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about North Kankakee demographics 

What is the total population of North Kankakee?

North Kankakee has a total population of 18,787 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in North Kankakee?

The gender ratio in North Kankakee is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (9,348 residents)
  • 50.2% females (9,439 residents)

What is the median age in North Kankakee?

The median age in North Kankakee is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in North Kankakee?

The age distribution in North Kankakee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (3,302 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (2,562 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.8% (4,089 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.5% (4,980 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.5% (3,854 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of North Kankakee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Kankakee is as follows:
  • White: 86.7% (16,293 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.3% (806 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (168 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (121 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (1,124 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (274 residents)

What percentage of the population in North Kankakee are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in North Kankakee.

How many housing units are there in North Kankakee?

There are 7,690 housing units in North Kankakee, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in North Kankakee and what is the average household size?

North Kankakee has a total of 7,343 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Kankakee?

North Kankakee has a median household income of $89,125, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for North Kankakee?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (6,251 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (2,796 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (807 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (6,311 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (949 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.8% (980 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025