South Cook News

Homeowners in many parts of south Cook County may have been surprised when they paid their property tax bill this summer—some faced an increase of 30% or more. Local podcaster Jeanne Ives described these bills as "immorally high."

"On average taxes have gone up every year for the last 30 years in Cook. This year, for many, their taxes nearly doubled in one year," said Ives. "Imagine opening the bill and owing $12,132 when last year your bill was $6,283 and you are a retiree. That's a real example and the home value is $270k, which means the tax rate as a percentage of home value is 4.45%—4.5x the national average. Tell me again, how your state legislator is such a nice person, while he or she steals your home from you."

Ives is a podcast host and writer for Breakthrough Ideas, a policy advocacy and education network in Wheaton. She is also a former member of the Illinois House of Representatives.

Jeanne Ives X post | Jeanne Ives' Aug. 4, 2024, X post.

According to a press release by Treasurer Maria Pappas, the median tax bill increased by 19.9% in Cook County. In 15 southern suburbs, 13 of which are predominantly Black communities, taxes rose by 30% or more. They more than doubled in two towns: Dixmoor and Phoenix.

Pappas' press release indicated that Cook County property taxes increased approximately $706 million, rising from $17.6 billion to $18.3 billion. She explained that these homeowners saw their taxes increase due to a new assessment that shifted 4% of the overall tax burden from businesses to homeowners. The shift was set in motion by the elimination of the 10% COVID-19 assessment reduction enacted in 2020, higher home selling prices, and businesses successfully appealing their assessments at the Board of Review.