Illinois continues to rank among the states with the highest property taxes in the country, routinely landing in the top three according to recent national surveys and studies. For example:

  • In 2024, Illinois homeowners paid an average effective property tax rate of around 2.1%, which is nearly double the national average of approximately 1.1%.
  • This means that for a $300,000 home, the typical Illinois homeowner paid about $6,300 per year in property taxes, compared to just $3,300 for a homeowner in a state with average rates.

This heavy tax burden is especially frustrating for homeowners in Cook County, where assessments are updated every three years. Even when property values decline, many homeowners still find themselves paying high. and often confusing, tax bills. The combination of reassessments, tax levies, exemptions, and appeals leaves many property owners feeling overwhelmed and overcharged.

This translates to thousands of dollars annually – money that could otherwise be invested in home improvements, education, or savings.

With 2025 reassessments scheduled for Cook County’s North and Northwest Suburbs, understanding where you live – and how your township factors into the reassessment process – has never been more important. Taking action now could result in meaningful savings.

 

Cook County Townships Explained

Cook County is divided into 30 townships, organized into three reassessment regions: North/Northwest Suburbs, South/Southwest Suburbs, and the City of Chicago.

Each township government provides essential services like road maintenance and building permits, funded primarily through property tax revenue. Some townships also offer services such as mental health programs, social support initiatives, and recreational facilities—all supported by local taxes.

In 2025, the North/Northwest Suburbs are scheduled for reassessment.

 

Breaking down the North and Northwest Suburbs

The townships of Barrington, Elk Grove, Evanston, Hanover, Leyden, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Norwood Park, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling make up the North/Northwest suburbs reassessment region.

Here are examples of cities located within these townships:

  • Barrington Township – Includes Barrington (in town), Barrington Hills, South Barrington, East Dundee (north side), Inverness (west side), Hoffman Estates (northwest side)
  • Elk Grove Township – Includes Elk Grove Village; home to 17,000+ single-family homes, 400 multifamily homes, and 9,500 condos
  • Evanston Township – Includes Evanston with over 11,000 single-family homes, 1,700 multifamily homes, and 7,000 condos
  • Hanover Township – Includes Streamwood (west side), Bartlett, Hanover Park (west side), Hoffman Estates (west side)
  • Leyden Township – Includes Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Northlake (north side), River Grove, Elmwood Park, and Melrose Park (north side)
  • Maine Township – Includes Des Plaines (east side), Park Ridge (north side), and Niles (west side)
  • New Trier Township – Includes Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, and Wilmette with 18,000+ single-family homes, 120 multifamily homes, and 1,800 condos
  • Niles Township – Includes Niles (east side), Golf, Morton Grove (east side), Skokie, and Lincolnwood
  • Northfield Township – Includes Northbrook, Deerfield, and Glenview
  • Norwood Park Township – Includes Norridge and Harwood Heights
  • Palatine Township – Includes Inverness (east side), Palatine, Rolling Meadows (north side), Deer Park, and Hoffman Estates (northeast side)
  • Schaumburg Township – Includes Roselle, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, and Hanover Park (east side)
  • Wheeling Township – Includes Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect (north side), and Prospect Heights

 

Appealing Your Illinois Property Taxes

Appealing your property taxes is one way to ensure you’re not overpaying, especially during a reassessment year. Whether you live in the north/northwest suburbs, south/southwest suburbs, or the City of Chicago, a successful property tax appeal can significantly reduce your financial burden.

KSN can handle your property tax appeal from start to finish—and there’s no fee unless we secure a reduction. Since 2015, we’ve helped Illinois property owners save over $150 million in property taxes.

Questions about appealing for Illinois property taxes? Contact us today at 847-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com/tax-appeal

Reach Tax Attorney Timothy Jacobs directly at 847-777-7270 or tjacobs@ksnlaw.com

Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

 

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