South suburban homeowners in Cook County are facing record-high property tax increases, with median bills rising by 19.9%, the highest jump in nearly 30 years. The rise affects more than 327,500 homeowners, with about 107,000 seeing lower bills. Particularly hard-hit areas include Park Forest, where bills increased by $2,567, and Dixmoor and Phoenix, where median bills more than doubled. The increases are attributed to the end of COVID-19 assessment reductions, higher home prices, and successful business assessment appeals. Homeowners express shock and anger over the substantial tax hikes, with concerns raised over assessment fairness and inequity in property valuation.