RANK #719 / 1001 NAT · #23 / 28 IL · POP 517,255
1YR FORECAST: +1.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
The Fabyan Windmill in Geneva stands as a distinctive landmark in Kane County, Illinois, a testament to the area's rich history and blend of urban and rural landscapes. Located about 40 miles west of Chicago, Kane County is one of the "collar counties" surrounding the metropolitan area. Commute times to downtown Chicago from towns like Elburn can range from 60 to 80 minutes by train, with various public transit options available throughout the county, including Pace bus routes and Ride in Kane services for eligible residents. The Fox River, a notable natural feature, flows through the county, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. Over 23,000 acres of forest preserves provide extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
Life in Kane County offers a mix of suburban amenities and access to natural spaces, appealing to families and professionals. The public school systems are highly rated, with numerous schools serving the county's students. Recent economic developments focus on attracting new investment and supporting existing businesses through coordinated efforts. The Kane County Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership, targets growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, logistics, and life sciences. The county's economy is evolving, with an emphasis on maintaining a skilled workforce and leveraging infrastructure to foster continued prosperity.
Kane County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.9% runs below the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 12.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
IDOT Road and Bridge Projects (7 projects combined)
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
|
$107M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
At 28/100, Kane County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $103,163 combined with job growth of -0.1% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Kane County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $327,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,453/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Kane County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs -0.1%. Home values shifted +3.9% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.71% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Kane County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.