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DeKalb County has 100,420 residents (2020 census) and a typical home value of about $295,000 as of Sept. 30, 2026, according to Zillow. That’s lower than any of the collar counties around Chicago, which is why buyers looking for value keep asking me about it.
I’m Dana Gallagher, a Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate. I help buyers and sellers across the Chicago suburbs, from the Northwest Suburbs out to DeKalb County. Here’s my honest look at living there in 2026.
Where Is DeKalb County?
DeKalb County sits west of Kane County, about 60 miles west of downtown Chicago. It covers about 635 square miles, mostly farmland with a handful of cities and villages. The county seat is Sycamore, and the largest city is DeKalb, home of Northern Illinois University.
I-88 runs east and west through the county, Illinois Route 23 runs north and south, and Route 64 heads east toward St. Charles.
DeKalb County Home Prices in 2026
| DeKalb County, IL | Zillow Home Value Index (Sept. 30, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Typical home value | $294,833 |
| Change from a year earlier | Up 5.0% |
| Typical time to go pending | About 16 days |
For comparison, Zillow’s typical home value in neighboring Kane County was $383,834 on the same date. Prices can swing in a smaller market, so I pull recent sales on your street before we write an offer.
Own a home already? See what it’s worth with a free home value report.
DeKalb County Towns Buyers Ask About
Populations are from the 2020 census.
Sycamore (18,577)
Sycamore is the county seat, with a historic downtown along State Street and the domed DeKalb County Courthouse. The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival is held each fall. Sycamore Community Unit School District 427 serves the city.
DeKalb (40,290)
DeKalb is the county’s largest city and home to Northern Illinois University. You’ll find older homes near downtown and the campus, plus newer subdivisions on the edges. DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 serves most of the city.
Cortland (4,398)
Cortland sits between DeKalb and Sycamore off Route 38, with many homes built since the 2000s. Read my full guide to moving to Cortland, IL.
Genoa (5,298)
Genoa is in the northeast corner of the county on Route 72, the closest DeKalb County town to Huntley and the Northwest Suburbs. Genoa-Kingston CUSD 424 serves the area.
Hinckley (2,006), Sandwich and the south
The southern part of the county is mostly farmland and small villages like Hinckley and Waterman. Part of Sandwich is in DeKalb County, with the rest in Kendall.
Getting Around From DeKalb County
DeKalb County has no Metra station. The closest is Elburn, the end of the Union Pacific West line in Kane County, east of the county line on Route 38 and Route 47. Read my Elburn, IL guide if you want to be right at the station.
By car, I-88 connects DeKalb east to Aurora, Naperville and the I-355 corridor. It’s a tollway, so plan for tolls. Check metra.com for train times.
Schools in DeKalb County
The main districts are DeKalb CUSD 428, Sycamore CUSD 427, Genoa-Kingston CUSD 424 and Kaneland CUSD 302, which reaches into the county near Cortland and Maple Park. Kishwaukee College in Malta is the local community college.
Always confirm the schools for the exact address with the district, and look up school data on the Illinois Report Card.
Property Taxes in DeKalb County
Lower prices don’t mean lower tax rates. SmartAsset estimates DeKalb County’s average effective property tax rate at about 2.30%, higher than Kane (2.05%) or DuPage (1.91%). Because homes cost less, the dollar amount of a typical bill can still be lower. I pull the last tax bill for every home we look at, and my property taxes post explains how Illinois bills are figured.
Parks and Things to Do
- Sycamore Pumpkin Festival each fall in downtown Sycamore.
- Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb, a historic 1929 theater.
- Kishwaukee River and the Great Western Trail, which runs from Sycamore east toward St. Charles.
- DeKalb County Forest Preserves, including Afton and Russell Woods.
- NIU Huskies football, basketball and events at the Convocation Center.
Is DeKalb County Right for You?
DeKalb County could fit you if:
- You want more home for your budget than the collar counties offer.
- You like small-town downtowns and open farmland around you.
- You work locally, at NIU, from home, or along I-88.
Think it over if:
- You need a train in town; the closest Metra is in Elburn.
- A high tax rate worries you more than a lower price helps.
If you’re downsizing, my guide to downsizing in the Northwest Suburbs covers the steps, and as an SRES® I help sellers 50 and older plan their next move.
My Tips for Buying in DeKalb County
Check whether a home is near campus. Some neighborhoods close to NIU have more rentals and more activity during the school year. That’s great for some buyers and not for others, so I’ll show you the area at different times of day.
Run the full monthly cost. With DeKalb County’s higher tax rate, a home that looks cheaper on price can have a monthly payment close to a pricier home in Kane County. I’ll compare the real payment, including taxes, before we decide.
Look at well and septic homes carefully. Rural homes outside city limits may use private wells and septic systems. Plan for well water testing and a septic inspection, and ask the DeKalb County Health Department about records.
Test your commute. Drive I-88 or Route 64 at your actual work hours, and plan for tolls on I-88. If you’ll ride Metra, try the drive to the Elburn station.
Think about resale. Smaller markets have fewer sales, so homes that are unusual for the area can take longer to sell later. I’ll show you how similar homes have sold.
What Buyers Moving From the Northwest Suburbs Notice
Buyers I work with who move west from the Northwest Suburbs into DeKalb County often mention a few things. Lots can be larger, traffic is lighter, and downtowns like Sycamore’s are walkable and easy to get around. On the other hand, you’ll likely drive farther for some shopping, and commuting east takes more time. Visit on a weekday and a weekend before you decide, and ask me to set up a few showings in different towns so you can compare.
FAQs About Living in DeKalb County
What is the median home price in DeKalb County, IL?
Zillow’s Home Value Index put the typical home value at $294,833 as of Sept. 30, 2026, up 5.0% from a year earlier.
What is the county seat of DeKalb County?
Sycamore is the county seat. The largest city is DeKalb.
Does DeKalb County have a Metra station?
No. The closest Metra station is Elburn, the end of the Union Pacific West line in Kane County.
What are property taxes like in DeKalb County?
SmartAsset estimates the average effective rate at about 2.30%. Bills vary by district, so check the last bill for each home.
Is Cortland in DeKalb County?
Yes. Cortland is a village in DeKalb County between DeKalb and Sycamore.
Which school districts serve DeKalb County?
Main districts include DeKalb CUSD 428, Sycamore CUSD 427, Genoa-Kingston CUSD 424 and part of Kaneland CUSD 302. Confirm schools for each address.
Let’s Talk About Your Move
Tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll send you current homes that fit. Call or text me at 224-858-0022, email mybrokerdana@gmail.com, or contact me here. You can also search homes for sale or get a free home value report.
Dana Gallagher, Broker (SRES®, CBR, CSR, ABR®, SRS) | Certified Luxury Home agent | BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate | ★★★★★ 5.0 on Google (40 reviews)
Last updated October 2026. Market figures come from public sources and change often.