Illinois Taxes

Illinois Now Has the Highest Property Taxes in the Country—Here’s What That Means for You

It’s official: Illinois now has the highest property taxes in the United States.

For longtime homeowners, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise—but it still stings. According to recent national data, Illinois property owners are now paying more in annual property taxes than residents in any other state, including notoriously expensive places like New Jersey, Connecticut, and California.

If you’ve been feeling the financial squeeze in your mortgage escrow, your annual reassessment, or just your monthly budget—it’s not just you. And for homeowners looking for a smarter financial future, there’s a clear solution just across the border: Indiana.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• The numbers behind Illinois’ property tax crisis

• How Indiana compares

• What this difference means for your mortgage and long-term wealth

• Why now is the time to sell your Illinois home and move to Indiana

• And how to get a free home valuation to kickstart your next chapter

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The Truth Hurts: Illinois Leads the Nation in Property Taxes

According to the latest data from ATTOM, SmartAsset, and WalletHub, Illinois ranks #1 in property tax burden, with homeowners in Will and Cook county paying an average 2.62% and 2.01% rerspectively of their home’s assessed value annually in property taxes.

To put that in real dollars:

• On a $300,000 home, in Will County, Illinois, a homeowner pays around $7860 per year just in property taxes.

• That’s over $665 per month, not including insurance or principal and interest.

• On a $300,000 home, in Cook County, Illinois, a homeowner pays around $6030 per year just in property taxes.

• That’s over $502.50 per month, not including insurance or principal and interest.

These numbers are nearly double the national average for Cook County and well over double for Will County... and it’s only getting worse as county assessments continue to rise—even when property values don’t.

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Meanwhile… in Indiana: Less Tax, More Home

Right next door in Lake and Porter County Indiana, the average property tax rate is just 1.07% and 0.91% respectively — less than half of the Illinois rates.

Let’s break down the same $300,000 home in Lake and Porter County Indiana:

• On a $300,000 home, in Lake County Indiana, a homeowner pays around $3210 per year in property taxes.

• That’s only $267.50 per month, not including insurance or principal and interest.

• On a $300,000 home, Porter County Indiana, a homeowner pays even less at $2730 per year in property taxes.

• That’s only $228 per month, not including insurance or principal and interest.

That’s a monthly difference between Will County Illinois and Lake County Indiana of $387.50, or $4,650 per year.

Over a 30-year mortgage? That’s $139,500 in property tax savings—on the same house, just across the state line.

Monthly Mortgage Comparison: Same House, Two States

Let’s say you buy a $300,000 home in both states with 20% down and a 6.5% interest rate.

Will County Illinois

• Principal & Interest: $1,517

• Property Tax (2.62%): $655

• Insurance: $100 (estimate)

• Total Monthly Payment: $2,272

Lake County Indiana

• Principal & Interest: $1,517

• Property Tax (1.07%): $267.50

• Insurance: $100 (estimate)

• Total Monthly Payment: $1,884.50

Monthly Savings = $387.50

Annual Savings = $4,650

That’s enough to cover:

• A vacation

• College savings

• Retirement investing

• Or just breathing room in your monthly budget

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Why Illinois Homeowners Are Selling and Moving to Indiana

The property tax difference isn’t the only reason people are making the move.

1. More Home for the Money

In many Northwest Indiana communities—like Crown Point, Valparaiso, St. John, and Schererville—you’ll find:

• Larger lots

• Newer construction

• And lower overall cost of living

It’s not just about taxes—it’s about value.

2. Commuter-Friendly

For those who still work in Chicagoland or surrounding areas, Indiana offers easy commuter access via I-80, I-94, and the South Shore Line.

You can keep your career in Illinois—but build your life in Indiana.

3. Lower Cost of Living

Indiana ranks in the Top 10 for overall affordability, with:

• Lower gas taxes

• Lower sales tax

• Lower vehicle registration fees

Northwest Indiana offers a more sustainable cost of living without sacrificing access to shopping, dining, and community events.

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The Time to Sell in Illinois Is Now

Illinois’ real estate market is still strong, but many homeowners are seeing the writing on the wall:

• Taxes are rising

• Buyers are more cautious

• The market is shifting

If you’re considering a move, now is the time to list—before the market changes.

You can take advantage of today’s equity while you still have the upper hand, especially in communities where demand is still outpacing inventory.

And with Indiana homes offering so much more for so much less, you’ll likely net more profit and spend less monthly—a win-win scenario.

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See What Your Illinois Home Is Worth—For Free

Before you make a move, let’s get you the facts. We’re offering a free, no-obligation home valuation so you can see exactly what your home could sell for in today’s market.

Whether you’re curious, ready, or just doing your research—we can help you run the numbers and lay out your options with clarity.

Just head to TheNydamGroup.com and request your free Illinois home valuation today.

We’ll:

• Analyze recent sales in your area

• Factor in your home’s unique features

• Review tax history and trends

• And give you a custom, accurate home value report

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Ready to See What You Could Save?

If you’ve been thinking about moving—or just trying to make your monthly budget work better—don’t ignore the impact property taxes have on your financial future.

Even if your mortgage is locked in, property taxes can and will keep rising. You have options.

 Lower taxes

 Lower payments

 Better value

 Stronger investment

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or looking for a better long-term plan for your family—Indiana is calling.

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 Get Your FREE Illinois Home Valuation Now

Click here to start:  TheNydamGroup.com

It’s quick, easy, and completely free.

You’ll get real data, real answers, and real clarity—so you can make your next move with confidence.

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Don’t let property taxes rob you of your peace of mind. Let us help you make a move that’s better for your future and your finances.

We’re here when you’re ready.

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The Nydam Group Real Estate

Helping Illinois families make a smart move to Indiana, one home at a time.