Director David Harris | Illinois Department of Revenue
Director David Harris | Illinois Department of Revenue
In total, residents paid approximately $24.7 million in sales taxes during that year.
Evanston also ranked 37th in the Prairie State the year before, with just over $23.7 million spent in sales taxes.
The largest share of taxes paid by the residents in 2024 came from 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.
Sales Taxes Collected in Evanston in 2024
| Type of Tax | Amount Collected in Year | % Change From Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Sales Tax | $13,888,454 | 4.6% |
| Municipal Home Rule Sales Tax | $10,794,368 | 4.3% |
| Municipal Automobile Renting Tax | $65,082 | -16.4% |
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