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

Total population
5,170
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,375/yr
-5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,227
1.0% year-over-year change

West Kankakee population

How many people live in West Kankakee

West Kankakee is home to 5,170 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.7% of West Kankakee locals are male, and 53.3% are female.

Total population
5,170
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.7%
2,415
Female
53.3%
2,754
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,415 46.7% -1.7%
Female 2,754 53.3% 1.1%
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 West Kankakee is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.8% of the population, while another 26.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24% are 65 or older.

Median age
46
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
20.8%
45 to 64
26.9%
Over 65
24%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,031 19.9% -0.1%
15 to 24 432 8.4% -10.7%
25 to 44 1,076 20.8% -4.0%
45 to 64 1,389 26.9% 4.8%
Over 65 1,242 24% 2.0%
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 West Kankakee, 99.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 92.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,149 99.6% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 20 0.4% 185.7%
Non-citizens 1 0% -87.5%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 4,800 92.8%
Black or African American 12 0.2%
Asian 6 0.1%
Two or more races 320 6.2%
Other 33 0.6%

Households in West Kankakee

A peek inside West Kankakee households

West Kankakee has 2,061 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 75.2% are families, while the remaining 24.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,061
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
511
Family households
1,550
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 511 24.8% -0.8%
Family households 1,550 75.2% 2.4%
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 West Kankakee

The housing landscape of West Kankakee

West Kankakee's housing consists of 2,227 units, with 85.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 8.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,227
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,910 85.7%
1 unit, attached 26 1.2%
2 units 23 1%
3 or 4 units 25 1.1%
5 to 9 units 15 0.7%
10 to 19 units 7 0.3%
20 to 49 units 36 1.6%
Mobile home 186 8.4%
Homes built since 2020
3
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Kankakee

In West Kankakee, the median construction year is 1972. About 26% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 579 26% -1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 95 4.3% 21.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 127 5.7% -12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 153 6.9% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 398 17.9% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 116 5.2% 3.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 402 18.1% -2.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 290 13% 7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 63 2.8% 23.5%
Built in 2020 or later 3 0.1% N/A
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.

West Kankakee occupancy rates

Out of the 2,061 occupied housing units in West Kankakee, 88% are owner-occupied, while 12.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,061
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
249
Owner occupied
1,813
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 249 12.1% -4.6%
Owner occupied 1,813 88% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.5%
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.

West Kankakee housing costs

Housing costs in West Kankakee come to a median of $1,160 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,143.

Median housing costs per month
$1,160/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 West Kankakee
$1,143/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 West Kankakee

West Kankakee education at a glance

About 40.3% of the population in West Kankakee went to high school, while 24.4% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 15.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 46 1.2% 27.8%
High school diploma 1,583 40.3% -0.2%
College diploma 960 24.4% 1.6%
Associate degree 453 11.5% 4.1%
Bachelor's degree 610 15.5% 1.0%
Graduate degree 276 7% -1.4%
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 West Kankakee

How much people earn in West Kankakee

The average annual household income in West Kankakee was $113,783 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,375, reflecting a -5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Kankakee
$113,783/year
9.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Kankakee
$86,375/year
-5.9% year-over-year change

West Kankakee income by age

In West Kankakee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,453. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,216 overall. Overall, 93.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $110,453 7.1%
45 - 64 $97,216 -3.2%
Over 65 $74,024 16.6%
Above poverty level
4,798
Below poverty level
321
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,798 93.7% -1.1%
Below poverty level 321 6.3% 18.9%

Employment in West Kankakee

Workforce and job types in West Kankakee

69.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 68% are employed by private companies, and 16.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,491
Blue collar
653
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,491 69.5% 1.1%
Blue collar 653 30.5% 6.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
68%
Governmental workers
16.6%
Not for profit companies
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 226 10.5% 11.3%
Private companies 1,458 68% 3.5%
Governmental workers 356 16.6% 0.6%
Not for profit companies 104 4.8% -14.1%

Transportation in West Kankakee

How people get around in West Kankakee

Commuting methods vary: 98.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% 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 1,779 98.7% 0.6%
Railroad 1 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 4 0.2% -42.9%
Walk 18 1% -41.9%
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.

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FAQs about West Kankakee demographics 

What is the total population of West Kankakee?

West Kankakee has a total population of 5,170 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Kankakee?

The gender ratio in West Kankakee is as follows:
  • 46.7% males (2,415 residents)
  • 53.3% females (2,754 residents)

What is the median age in West Kankakee?

The median age in West Kankakee is 46.

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

The age distribution in West Kankakee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (1,031 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (432 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.8% (1,076 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.9% (1,389 residents)
  • Over 65: 24% (1,242 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Kankakee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Kankakee is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (4,800 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (6 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (320 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (33 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in West Kankakee.

How many housing units are there in West Kankakee?

There are 2,227 housing units in West Kankakee, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Kankakee has a total of 2,061 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Kankakee?

West Kankakee has a median household income of $86,375, representing a -5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for West Kankakee?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.5% (1,491 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.5% (653 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (226 residents)
  • Private companies: 68% (1,458 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.6% (356 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.8% (104 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