Lake County taxpayers paid the fourth largest sum in sales taxes in September, according to Illinois tax records.
In total, residents paid approximately $8.6 million in sales taxes during September.
The county also ranked fourth in the Prairie State the month before, with just over $8.7 million spent in sales taxes.
The largest share of sales taxes paid by Lake County residents in September came from the County Share of RTA Sales Tax.
The County Share of RTA Sales Tax, a crucial revenue stream, is primarily allocated for other taxing jurisdictions’ use.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| County Share of RTA Sales Tax | $4,265,631 | -1.9% |
| Countywide Sales Tax | $3,542,760 | -2.1% |
| County Sales Tax | $769,065 | 3.1% |
