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Why Kankakee County Is a Smart Place to Grow

Kankakee County offers the access, workforce strength, and supportive leadership that expanding companies need. Located along Chicago’s southern corridor with reliable infrastructure and room to grow, the region provides a competitive edge for businesses seeking long term success.
Skilled Workforce

A deep labor force of more than 808,000 within 30 minutes and 2.8 million within 45 minutes.

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Access to Incentives

Enterprise Zones, Opportunity Zones, TIF districts, and financing tools that help reduce development costs.

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Robust Infrastructure

Reliable electric, natural gas, water and wastewater capacity; dark fiber and telecommunication networks, and mulit-modal transportation access.

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Collaborative Business Environment

Public and private partners work together to provide responsive support and a smooth path for business growth.

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Strategic Location

Ideally positioned between Chicago and Central Illinois, offering direct access to major highways, rail, and regional markets.

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Strategic Location. Strong Economy. Supportive Leadership.

Kankakee County combines big market access with a business friendly environment that makes expansion straightforward. Companies benefit from proximity to Chicago, competitive operating costs, and direct relationships with leaders who work collaboratively to remove barriers and accelerate projects. With diverse industries, available land, and long term workforce strength, the region offers a solid foundation for business growth.

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Quality of Life

A Place to Build a Life and a Future

Kankakee County offers more than a strong business climate. It provides a community where individuals and families can thrive. With a lower cost of living, excellent schools, accessible healthcare, and a wide range of recreation and cultural amenities, the region appeals to both employers and talent looking for a balanced lifestyle.

Cost of Living

Lower overall cost of living compared to major metro counties while maintaining access to Chicago.
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K-12 Education

Strong K-12 districts, career and technical programs, Kankakee Community College, and Olivet Nazarene University.
Education & Training

Culture & Recreation

Riverfront trails, parks, outdoor recreation, community festivals, and historic attractions.
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Health Care

Access to high quality medical providers and expanding regional health services.
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Housing

A range of housing options including historic homes, new developments, and rural living opportunities.
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Community & Safety

Kankakee County offers close knit communities with a strong sense of belonging, supported by engaged local leadership and public safety partners who prioritize resident wellbeing.
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Commute & Mobility

Shorter commute times, lower congestion, and easy regional access create a smoother daily experience for residents and workers throughout the county.
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Outdoor Spaces & Natural Assets

From the Kankakee River to extensive parks, trails, and open spaces, the region offers abundant outdoor recreation and natural beauty that supports an active lifestyle.
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Strategic Advantages

Built for Today’s Business Needs

Kankakee County brings together the critical elements companies rely on: strategic location along the Chicago metro corridor, reliable utilities, strong workforce pipelines, and collaborative partnerships with education and industry.

  • Regional Connectivity
    Direct interstate access, freight rail service, and proximity to regional airports ensure fast movement of goods and talent.
  • Infrastructure Readiness
    Reliable electric, gas, water, and wastewater capacity designed to support industrial and commercial expansion.
  • Workforce and Education Partnerships
    Training programs across KCC, ONU, KACC, and GLKWB align talent development with employer needs.
  • Room for Development
    Available industrial land, flexible zoning, and coordinated municipal support create a strong environment for new projects.
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A Community With Room to Grow

Explore the amenities, landscapes, neighborhoods, and experiences that make Kankakee County a great place to live, work, and thrive.
Three people in hairnets and aprons measuring ingredients in a kitchen, participating in Urban Recipes' cooking workshop.
Solar panels under a cloudy sky in an open field, showcasing renewable energy solutions.
People enjoying a thrill ride at a sunny amusement park, showcasing excitement and fun outdoors.
Student studying with a laptop and notebook, wearing a CAVS Kankakee sweatshirt, focused and smiling in a classroom setting.
Stream lined with autumn foliage reflecting vibrant colors on a sunny day, enhancing the serene landscape.
Three students walking together on a sunny campus lawn, engaged in conversation and smiling, Kankakee Community College.
Two workers wearing safety harnesses stand outdoors, smiling, at Kankakee Community College.
Technicians inspect a large electric vehicle battery in a manufacturing facility.
Angler joyfully fly fishing in a sunny river, capturing the essence of outdoor adventure.
CSL Behring facility exterior, showcasing the modern architecture and expansive company premises.
Firefighters from Kankakee Fire Dept. pose with gear and firetruck under a cloudy sky, showcasing teamwork and readiness.
Artist painting a vibrant cityscape on canvas in a creative studio environment.
Group of professionals at a corporate event in a modern office space featuring a large logo, symbolizing unity and collaboration.
Factory worker inspects yellow-capped bottles on a conveyor belt, ensuring quality control in production line.
Gotion test area showcasing industrial equipment in a clean, modern facility.

The Process

A Clear Path for Business Growth

Our team guides expanding and relocating businesses through every stage of the process. From site selection to incentives and workforce connections, we help you move forward with confidence.

Here’s how we help:

Start the Conversation

We learn about your project, challenges, and goals so we can assemble the right information and partners.

Explore Sites and Data

We provide access to available properties, labor force statistics, and cost data to help narrow the best fit for your project.

Connect to Resources

We coordinate introductions to utilities, training partners, local and state incentive programs, and municipal leaders.

Support, Launch, Grow

Our team remains engaged through development and beyond, offering ongoing support as your business grows within our community.

Red and white abstract arrows pointing right, symbolizing forward movement.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Build Your Future in Kankakee County

Take the first bold step toward transforming potential into tangible economic success in Kankakee County.

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Why Kankakee County?