DeKalb County Property Taxes

DeKalb County, Illinois

Effective Tax Rate

0.00%

111.7% above state avg

Median Annual Tax

$0

$491/mo escrow

#101 of 102 counties in Illinois

Estimate Your Tax

$
$50K$2M

Annual Tax

$0

Monthly

$0

Eff. Rate

2.54%

vs. Illinois Avg111.7% above
vs. National Avg118.9% above

At a Glance

Median Home Value

$231,900

State avg $146,132

Tax w/ Mortgage/yr

$6,108

$509/mo escrow

Tax w/o Mortgage/yr

$5,430

$453/mo

State Tax Rate Rank

#101

of 102 counties (1 = lowest)

Data Story

About Property Taxes in DeKalb County, Illinois

DeKalb's taxes rank among state's highest

DeKalb County's effective tax rate of 2.539% significantly exceeds both the national median rate and the Illinois state average of 1.831%. With a median property tax of $5,889—more than double the national median of $2,690—DeKalb residents face the highest tax burden among Illinois' major counties due to stronger property valuations and a robust tax base.

Top tier for Illinois property taxes

DeKalb County ranks among Illinois' highest tax counties with its 2.539% effective rate, driven by median home values of $231,900 that exceed the state average. The median tax bill of $5,889 reflects a county where robust residential and commercial development has created substantial municipal service demands.

DeKalb's taxes far outpace region's norms

At 2.539%, DeKalb County's rate towers over surrounding counties like DuPage (2.094%), Douglas (1.813%), and De Witt (1.849%). The county's median home value of $231,900—higher than nearly all regional peers—drives both higher absolute taxes and a steeper effective rate, making it significantly less affordable than surrounding areas.

Budget $5,889 annually in property taxes

DeKalb County homeowners pay approximately $5,889 per year on a median home valued at $231,900—roughly $491 monthly. Mortgage payers see slightly higher bills at $6,108 annually, while owners without mortgages pay $5,430, suggesting relatively consistent assessment patterns across the county despite its high overall burden.

High taxes make appeals worthwhile

With tax bills exceeding $5,800 annually, DeKalb County residents have significant financial incentive to challenge inflated assessments through formal appeals. Even modest reductions—10-15%—could save hundreds of dollars yearly, making a professional assessment review a smart investment for property owners.

How DeKalb County Compares

Median Annual Property Tax

DeKalb County$5,889
Illinois State Average$2,782
National Average$1,924

DeKalb County

2.54%

Effective rate

Illinois Avg

1.90%

Effective rate

National Avg

0.91%

Effective rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in DeKalb County, Illinois?
The effective property tax rate in DeKalb County, Illinois is 2.54%. This rate is calculated by dividing the median property tax payment by the median home value in the county.
How much are property taxes in DeKalb County?
The median annual property tax payment in DeKalb County is $5,889. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $6,108, while those without a mortgage pay $5,430.
How does DeKalb County compare to the Illinois average?
DeKalb County's effective tax rate of 2.54% is higher than the Illinois state average of 1.90%. The median annual property tax in DeKalb County is $5,889, compared to the state average of $2,782.
What is the median home value in DeKalb County, Illinois?
The median home value in DeKalb County, Illinois is $231,900, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.
Why is DeKalb County property tax rate higher than the Illinois average?
DeKalb County's effective property tax rate of 2.54% is higher than the Illinois average of 1.90%. This difference of 0.64% can be attributed to local funding needs for schools, infrastructure, and municipal services. Higher rates often correlate with more urbanized areas or counties with greater public service demands.
How does DeKalb County rank for property taxes in Illinois?
DeKalb County ranks #101 out of 102 counties in Illinois by effective property tax rate (1 = lowest). With a rate of 2.54% and median annual tax of $5,889, it falls in the upper third of counties statewide.

Counties with Similar Tax Rates

Nearby Counties

Other Counties in Illinois

Data updated: March 2026

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rate is calculated as median property tax divided by median home value.