Lake County Property Tax
Public records for Lake County in Illinois. For official filings, protests, and assessments, use the Lake County Chief County Assessment Office.
Official Source Information
Lake County Chief County Assessment Office
The official entity for identifying, listing, and appraising all property within Lake County.
- location_on18 N County St, Waukegan, IL
- call(847) 377-2050
Tax Rate
Key Deadlines
- 1st installment due Jun 6, 2026
- 2nd installment due Sep 6, 2026
Value Protest
Believe your property was over-assessed? File a formal protest before the county deadline.
Understanding Property Tax in Lake County
Property tax is a local tax on real estate — land and the buildings on it — and it is the main way Lake County funds public schools, roads, emergency services, and other county operations. The amount you owe depends on two things: what your property is worth and the combined tax rate set by the local districts that serve it.
In Illinois, the county tax assessor determines each property's assessed value as of January 1st. The average effective property tax rate in Lake County is about 2.34%. Your bill is the taxable value — the assessed value after any exemptions — multiplied by that rate.
Because rates and exemptions are set locally, two similar homes in different parts of Lake County can owe very different amounts. The official county records linked on this page show the figures that actually apply to a given parcel.
Quick Estimate
A home assessed at $250,000 at Lake County's 2.34% average effective rate would owe roughly:
$5,850 / yr
Before exemptions. Your actual rate depends on your local taxing districts.
How to Look Up Lake County Property Tax Records
Open the official lookup
Use the Lake County records link near the top of this page to reach the official county search tool.
Search your property
Search by street address, owner name, or parcel/account number to find the right parcel.
Review the record
Check the assessed value, tax rate, amount due, payment status, and any exemptions on file.
What's in a County Property Tax Record
A Lake County property tax record pulls together the assessment and billing details the county keeps for each parcel. You can typically expect:
Lake County Property Tax FAQ
How are property taxes calculated in Lake County? expand_more
Property tax in Lake County is based on the assessed value your county tax assessor places on the property as of January 1st, multiplied by the combined tax rate of the local districts that serve your parcel. The average effective property tax rate in Lake County is about 2.34%. Exemptions such as a homestead exemption reduce the taxable value before the rate is applied.
When are Lake County property taxes due? expand_more
Key dates for Lake County: 1st installment due (Jun 6, 2026), 2nd installment due (Sep 6, 2026).
How do I look up property tax records in Lake County? expand_more
Use the official Lake County lookup link near the top of this page, then search by property address, owner name, or parcel/account number. The official county portal shows the assessed value, tax rate, amount due, payment status, and any exemptions on record.
How can I lower my Lake County property tax bill? expand_more
Two common routes: claim every exemption you qualify for — homestead, senior, veteran, or disability — and appeal your assessed value if it is higher than your property's market value. Appeals must be filed with the county tax assessor before the local deadline.
Who do I contact about Lake County property taxes? expand_more
Reach the Lake County Chief County Assessment Office at (847) 377-2050, located at 18 N County St, Waukegan, IL.