No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.

By Charlotte Rotkis

07/25/2025

Illinois just ranked as having the highest property tax rate in the country. Property taxes in Illinois are an especially heavy burden without the tradeoff seen in states such as Texas or New Hampshire, where there are either no sales taxes or income taxes.

TAGS: property taxes

A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?

By Joe Tabor, Ed Bachrach

03/26/2025

A city charter would put much-needed guardrails on the Chicago government. Here’s what needs to happen to get one.

Chicago unemployment is highest in nation

By Bryce Hill

08/15/2024

Nearly 100,000 Chicago-area residents are out of work, and at 6.2% the Chicago metro area has the highest unemployment rate of the nation’s 50 largest metro areas. Illinois as a whole isn’t doing much better, with a 6.1% unemployment rate.

TAGS: Chicago, unemployment

Planning a long Lollapalooza weekend? Expect ticket taxes of $91 to $1,001

By Patrick Andriesen

07/18/2024

If you plan to be at Lollapalooza from Megan Thee Stallion to Blink-182, expect taxes to add $91 to the cost of general admission. Get a premium ticket and city, county and state sales and amusement taxes add $1,001 to the cost.

TAGS: Lollapalooza, tax

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families  

By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor

07/09/2024

Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

05/27/2024

The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

TAGS: Chicago, NASCAR, taxes

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Vincent Caruso

04/29/2024

Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

07/27/2023

The typical concertgoer will pay an extra $35 for their general admission ticket to Lollapalooza, thanks to the city’s amusment tax. A platinum pass will cost visitors more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

TAGS: Chicago, Lollapalooza

Chicago has 2nd-highest commercial property taxes in U.S.

By Justin Carlson

07/07/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and progressive allies said the city can find fiscal flexibility by taxing big business. The city is already home to the second-highest commercial property taxes in the nation.

TAGS: corporate income tax

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2023

TAGS: NASCAR

Indianapolis

No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.

A city charter could bring order to Chicago’s dysfunction. How can it get one?

Chicago unemployment is highest in nation

Planning a long Lollapalooza weekend? Expect ticket taxes of $91 to $1,001

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax

Chicago has 2nd-highest commercial property taxes in U.S.

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students