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Kankakee, IL


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Kankakee, Illinois

Introduction to Kankakee, Illinois

Kankakee, Illinois, in Kankakee county, is 30 miles SE of Joliet, Illinois (center to center) and 52 miles S of Chicago, Illinois. As of the year 2000 census, 27,491 people lived in Kankakee.

Kankakee History

Following the signing of the Treaty of Camp Tippecanoe by the federal government in 1832, settlers began arriving in Kankakee. The settlements started developing around the year 1834 with the arrival of immigrants from New York and Vermont. The community was named after the Kankakee river which flowed through the area.

Kankakee and nearby Attractions

  • Kankakee County Museum
  • Kankakee Public Library
  • Riverview Historic District and Charles E. Swannell House
  • Warren Hickox House
  • Soldier Creek
  • River Road Park

Things To Do In Kankakee

Visitors to this city can take a trip to Kankakee County Museum which houses exhibits on local history, Native American archeology, and a stunning sculpture collection. The Exploration Station museum is also nearby. The Kankakee Public Library, Kankakee County Courthouse, and Fire Station Number 2 are other tourist attractions in the city. One can also visit the churches and cemeteries dotting the streets of Kankakee. The Soldier Creek and the Gar Creek are two beautiful bodies of water worth visiting. The numerous parks also offer a range of entertainment facilities.

Kankakee Transportation

Air transportation facilities are available from the Gary/ Chicago Airport.

Kankakee Higher Education

Higher educational opportunities are provided by Kankakee Community College and Olivet Nazarene University.

High Points

Kankakee strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)		Top 2%trophyKankakee Racial Diversity
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)		Top 9%Kankakee Walking and Biking to Work
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)		Top 17%Kankakee Affordability of Rents

Comparative Profile of Kankakee, IL

Comparing Kankakee to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Racial Diversity910
Children Under 5 Years Old99
Female Share of the Population77
Senior Citizens64
Male Share of the Population45
Age of the Population32
Well-Paid Single Men33

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size67
Portion of People Married11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Above Poverty21
College Educated Adults25
People in Middle Class or Better21
Median Family Income22

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work910
Short Commute Times78
Public Transportation Use57
Working at Home44

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents95
People Living Alone88
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals810
Affordability of Property Taxes65
Seasonal and Vacation Housing35
Housing Recently Built23

Detailed pages on related topics: Kankakee colleges • Kankakee mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Kankakee CareersKankakee Careers
Kankakee career and employment information.
Kankakee CollegesKankakee Colleges
Kankakee colleges and trade schools.
Kankakee MortgageKankakee Mortgage
Kankakee property, mortgage, and real estate.

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