Chicago Homeowners Struggle to Pay Soaring Property Tax Bills

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Chicago homeowners in lower-income community areas on the South and West sides were hit with dramatic property tax increases on their 2025 second-installment bills, leading to struggles to pay the full amount owed. Collection rates declined significantly in areas like Riverdale and West Garfield Park, where taxes increased by 65% and more than doubled respectively.

Why it matters

The steep property tax hikes and resulting declines in collection rates highlight the financial strain on lower-income Chicago residents, many of whom are already struggling with the high cost of living in the city. This issue disproportionately impacts communities of color on the South and West sides, raising concerns about equity and the ability of longtime homeowners to remain in their homes.

The details

In the Riverdale Community Area on Chicago's far South Side, where total homeowner taxes increased by 65%, collections were down 11.1%. In West Garfield Park on the city's West Side, where the amount billed to homeowners more than doubled, collections were down 4.1%. These were among more than a dozen South and West side communities that saw declines in collection rates and significant increases in homeowners making partial payments, indicating they were trying but struggling to pay their bills in full.

• Tax year 2024 bills were due on December 15, 2025.
• The collection rates were measured 47 days after the tax bills were due.