🏡 Top 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Lowest Property Taxes in 2025 (and How to Pay Even Less!)
- The Biggest News Jason Rosenberg
- 26 minutes ago
- 3 min read
“Why is my tax bill higher than my winter heating bill?” If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re officially a Chicagoland homeowner. But believe it or not, there are actually some Chicago suburbs where property taxes won’t make you faint. Ready to save big? Let’s count down the spots where your wallet gets to relax—for once!
1. Steger, IL (Cook County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $1,642Median Home Value: $61,270Quick Take: Want to pay less in taxes than you spend on coffee? Welcome to Steger—number one on the list and the only place where your property tax bill is smaller than your grocery bill at Mariano’s.
2. Palos Hills, IL (Cook County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $3,534Quick Take: Great parks, friendly neighbors, and a tax bill that won’t require you to sell your vintage Bulls jersey collection. What’s not to love?
3. Cherry Valley, IL (Winnebago County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $4,507Median Home Value: $175,044Quick Take: Small-town feel, big-time savings. Cherry Valley is for people who want to live near Rockford and still have enough left over for deep-dish pizza night—every night.
4. Peotone, IL (Will County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $4,229Median Home Value: $209,700Quick Take: Old-school community vibes and new-school savings. Peotone: where the only thing lower than the taxes are the odds of you getting stuck in city traffic.
5. Beecher, IL (Will County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $4,188Median Home Value: $151,296Quick Take: Beecher is the place to go if you want fresh air, open space, and property taxes that don’t sting.
6. Lemont, IL (DuPage County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $5,538Median Home Value: $313,710Quick Take: Historic downtown, modern amenities, and a tax bill that leaves room in your budget for a few extra rounds at the golf course.
7. Brookfield, IL (Cook County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $6,351Quick Take: Home of the Brookfield Zoo and property taxes that won’t make you feel like you’re feeding a family of elephants.
8. Crete, IL (Will County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $6,603Median Home Value: $202,467Quick Take: Trees, community spirit, and taxes so low you’ll have to pinch yourself (but gently).
9. Homewood, IL (Cook County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): $5,099Median Home Value: $142,930Quick Take: Homewood’s got great parks and schools—and your tax bill won’t need its own line item in your budget spreadsheet.
10. Orland Hills, IL (Cook County)
Median Property Tax Bill (2025): ~$7,000 (estimated)Median Home Value: $140,000Quick Take: Orland Hills offers access to shopping, dining, and lower taxes than most places that end in “-ville.”
💡 Homebuyer Tips for the “Tax Cautious”
Always double-check property taxes before you buy. Two houses, same street—totally different tax bills. (It’s a thing.)
Look at the total bill, not just the rate. Sometimes a lower-priced home with a slightly higher tax rate means you’ll pay less overall.
Call your favorite local real estate agent (hint: me!) if you want a custom property tax breakdown or a laugh about your neighbor’s lawn decorations.
🔍 How to Lower Your Property Taxes: The Secret Menu (aka Exemptions!)
You thought property taxes were non-negotiable? Not so fast! Illinois offers exemptions that could save you hundreds—or thousands—every year. Here are a few to ask about:
🏠 General Homestead Exemption
If it’s your main home, you could knock $10,000 off your assessed value (Cook County) or $6,000 (other counties). You don’t even need a coupon code.
👵 Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption
Age 65+? Take another $8,000 off (Cook) or $5,000 elsewhere. Senior discounts: not just for early bird specials.
❄️ Senior Freeze Exemption
If you qualify (age 65+ and income limits apply), your tax assessment can freeze—even if your neighbor’s keeps going up.
♿ Disabled Persons’/Veterans’ Exemptions
Special savings for those who qualify. If you’re a veteran or have a disability, check with your local assessor.
🔨 Home Improvement Exemption
Add a room? Finish your basement? Improvements may be tax-free for four years (up to $75,000 in value). That’s almost as good as free WiFi.
🎖️ Returning Veterans’ Exemption
If you just got back from active duty, you could get a $5,000 reduction in assessed value—thank you for your service!
Pro Tip: Exemptions aren’t automatic—you have to apply, and some need to be renewed. Your county assessor’s website is your best friend (after your real estate agent, of course).
📝 Sources
Ownwell Illinois Suburb Tax Data
Brookfield Official Finance Department
Village of Orland Hills
Citizen Portal – Homewood, IL
Cook County Assessor’s Office – Exemptions
Illinois Department of Revenue – Property Tax Exemptions
