Chicago Tribune: Tax hikes loom for South, West sides

Palos Township (Tax Year 2023, billed 2024): Homeowners experienced a median property tax increase of 19.9% — the largest median jump for any reassessed area in nearly three decades.

Commercial properties have seen big tax cuts since the pandemic: After filing appeals, many commercial properties had their tax bills significantly reduced, which means homeowners now pay a larger share of the overall tax load.

Why it matters:

Cook County's property tax system is based on a fixed levy — when commercial assessments decline, the total tax bill doesn't shrink; instead, the burden redistributes, forcing homeowners to absorb more. The combined effects of post-COVID commercial devaluation and appeals have produced double-digit residential tax increases, especially in middle-class south suburban communities like Palos Township.

The analyses provided by the Cook County Assessor's Office are at the 10,000-foot level, offering broad views. This summary focuses narrowly on the impact to homeowners within NPD 117, highlighting how these broader trends are affecting the local community.
After appeals, the balance shifted — most businesses paid less, most homeowners paid more. Tax bill: 75% of businesses saw decreases, 75% of homeowners saw increases. 65% successful appeals, 20% average cut for large commercial properties. 25% successful appeals, 9% average cut for small commercial properties.
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