Evanston taxpayers paid the 39th largest sum in sales taxes per municipality in May, according to Illinois tax records.
In total, residents paid just over $2.2 million in sales taxes during that month.
Evanston also ranked 39th in the Prairie State the month before, with approximately $2.1 million spent in sales taxes.
The largest share of sales taxes paid by Evanston residents in May came from the Municipal Sales Tax.
In Illinois, municipal sales taxes, usually set at 1%, are added to the state sales tax of 5% and a county tax of 0.25%, resulting in a combined state tax rate of 6.25%. These taxes can vary locally and are used to address municipal needs such as infrastructure, public services, and community development. The revenue generated is destined to fund local government operations, public safety, education, and other community projects.
A 2025 WalletHub study found that Illinois has the highest overall taxes in the U.S., with rates more than 50% higher than the national average. The study estimates that a median household in Illinois pays an effective tax rate of 16.58%, or about $13,099 per year.
| Type of Tax | Total Amount Collected | % Change From Previous Month |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Sales Tax | $1,209,975 | 4.3% |
| Municipal Home Rule Sales Tax | $991,234 | 5.3% |
| Municipal Automobile Renting Tax | $3,670 | -14.2% |
