The Lake County, IL, tax rate is 2.16%. Residents pay an average of $6,285 a year, making property taxes in this county twice as high as the national average.

Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek

Reviewed by Melanie Reiff

Updated on Dec 26, 2023

Table of Contents

Property tax 101
What is the property tax rate in Lake County?
How to pay property taxes in Lake County
How to save money on homeowners and car insurance in Illinois
FAQs

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With an average tax rate of 2.16%, Lake County,

Illinois

, collects an average of $6,285 a year per resident in property taxes.

Lake County ranks 18th of the 3,143 counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income, making property taxes in this area notably higher than both the state and national averages.

When it comes to paying your property taxes, there’s a lot to know, from understanding what you owe to when and how you can pay. Home and

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Property tax 101

If you’re not sure what property taxes are or you’ve never had to pay them before, here are the basics:

Property taxes are levied by your local government to pay for public works and municipal projects (think law enforcement, education, road repairs, transport, etc.)

Most property taxes apply to real property like land, buildings, and homes (in some counties, your vehicle may also be subject to a property tax)

Your property taxes are determined by a local tax assessor, who assigns rates based on market values and the local tax rate—both of which are prone to fluctuation in response to market conditions and local budgets

In other words, property taxes are how local governments collect funding from people who’ve put down roots in a community. In turn, this funding contributes to the longevity and well-being of the community.

MORE:

What to know about Illinois car insurance laws

What is the property tax rate in Lake County?

In Lake County, the property tax rate is 2.16%, meaning that the average resident pays about $6,285 a year in property taxes.

That makes Lake County property taxes higher than both the national average (1.08%) as well as the state average (1.73%).

How Lake County property taxes are determined

In Lake County, there’s a formula to determine property tax rates, and it starts with the County Clerk. The Clerk is responsible for calculating individual tax rates for each taxing district, using a formula that divides a district’s tax levy by its EAV—or “equalized assessed value.”

For a breakdown of equalization factors, tax levies, and the calculation of tax rates in your county, visit

Lake County’s online FAQ

While exact tax rates vary by the assessed value of a property, you can estimate your tax rate using the

Illinois Property Taxes Calculator

If you believe your property has been unfairly or incorrectly assessed, you have the right to

appeal the assessment

at your local tax assessor’s office.

Additionally, if you own your property and consider it your primary residence, you may qualify for a

homestead exemption

, which can significantly lower your property tax rates.

MORE: Home insurance terms you need to know

What do Lake County property taxes pay for?

In Lake County, your property taxes contribute to valuable community services and municipal projects, including the following:

Public schools (K-12 and community education)

Public libraries

Public transport

City streets and county roads

Natural resource reserves

Law enforcement

Public health

Fire safety

Local infrastructure

Municipal government projects

Illinois Policy

’s website breaks down in greater detail exactly how your property taxes are directed in Lake County.

How to pay property taxes in Lake County

In Lake County, property taxes are due by June 7 and you’ll receive your tax statement in April beforehand.

Many Lake County residents have the option to pay their property taxes in two installments, with the second installment due date being September 6. If you fail to pay your property taxes by these dates, you may be subject to

penalty charges and higher interest rates

on your payments.

Lake County residents have various ways to pay their property taxes:

In-person: Bring your tax bill and payment method (cash, credit/debit, check, or money order) to the Lake County Treasurer’s Office, located at 18 North County Street, Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085. The office is open 8:30 am until 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays).

By phone: To pay your property taxes by phone, call 877-690-3729 (Jurisdiction #7021). This number directs you to an official Interactive Voice Response system that receives and authorizes your payment information. Acceptable methods of payment include credit and debit cards or e-checks.

By mail: You can mail a check to Lake County Collector, 18 N. County Street, Room 102, Waukegan, IL 60085. Make sure to make checks payable to the Lake County Collector and include your installment coupon(s) regardless of whether you pay by installment or in full.

By bank: You can pay your property taxes directly through your bank during regular business hours. Banks will accept the original or a duplicate bill but not partial payments. Bring your photo ID with you and be sure to include your 10-digit Property Index Number on the face of your check.

Online: Paying online is as simple as signing into your Payment Portal on the Lake County government website. Payments can be made with a debit or credit card or by e-check. Note that if you are paying with a credit card, a convenience fee of 2.35% is added to your transaction.

By dropbox: For second installments only. If you’re paying your second property tax installment, you have the option to drop payment off at the dropbox in the Lake County Building in Waukegan by the northeast entrance. Note that checks are the only accepted form of payment and you can request a mailed receipt following the collection of your payment.

Visit

Lake County’s government website

for more details on the above payment methods and how to pay in installments or set up a pre-payment plan.

MORE: How to choose the right kind of car and homeowners insurance

How to save money on homeowners and car insurance in Illinois

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FAQs

When are property taxes due in Lake County?

Property taxes in Lake County are due annually on June 7. If you’re paying in installments, your second due date will be September 6 of the same year.

How do I get my Lake property tax statement?

Property tax statements are mailed to your permanent address in April. If you did not receive your property tax statement, contact your local Tax Office to ensure you are not penalized.

Are property taxes high in Lake County?

The average Lake County resident pays $6,285 a year in property taxes, making rates in this county higher than the state average, and almost twice as high as the national average.

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