Cook County homeowners' taxes increase again

Monica Eng

Illustration of a rising black arrow, money, gridded and lined paper. — Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios

Once again, Cook County homeowners will shoulder a greater portion of the tax burden than commercial building owners, whose properties continue to underperform while many homes gain value, according to a new analysis by the Cook County Treasurer's office.

The big picture: This marks the fifth consecutive year that a growing tax burden has fallen mostly on homeowners

Driving the news: The analysis arrives just ahead of the expected release of property tax bills reflecting the 2025 tax year and updated triennial reassessments of North and Northwest suburban properties.

By the numbers: "Local governments across the county are seeking $743.8 million in new taxes, bringing the total amount property owners must pay to more than $19.9 billion, an increase of about 3.9% — well above the annual regional inflation rate of 3.1%," a report accompanying the analysis says.

What they're saying: "Local governments need to do more with less, particularly in these precarious economic times," Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said in a statement.

Pappas, who is widely expected to announce her candidacy for mayor after the midterms, during which she's running for reelection, stressed that "taxpayers need to vote."
She noted that some of the hikes in the last round of increases were driven by ballot referendums.

What's next: Cook County's second installment property tax bills are expected to be released on Sept. 1 and paid by Oct. 1.

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Cook County homeowners' taxes increase again

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