The phrase
"equalization rate" refers to a percentage or ratio used to make property taxes fair and equal across different areas. It is a factor used in property assessment to ensure that property values are assessed consistently and accurately, taking into account varying market conditions in different regions. The
equalization rate helps to level the playing field when determining how much each property owner should contribute in taxes, ensuring fairness and uniformity.
Full definition
Property tax burdens were recalculated as effective rates, based on OSC estimates of assessed property values converted to full value based
on equalization rates.
According to a 2017 press release from the Illinois Department of Revenue, the department figures out
the equalization rate «for each county by comparing the actual selling price of individual properties, over a three - year period, with the assessed value placed on those properties by the county assessor and adjusted by the board of review.»