Last Updated on: 10th February 2025, 11:44 am
Are you considering moving to Illinois? With big cities, a wide range of outdoor activities, plenty of professional sports, top concert acts, and quaint towns, Illinois has so much to offer, regardless of what you’re looking for.
Nicknamed the Prairie State and the Land of Lincoln, Illinois has the third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago, at 1,451 feet, the third tallest building in North America, The Willis Tower in Chicago, and the sixth-busiest airport in the world, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. But Illinois is also 80% farmland and one of the largest agricultural-producing states in the country.
The state was long the home of Indigenous cultures before the French arrived in the 17th century. American settlers followed after the U.S. won its independence in 1783. Illinois achieved statehood in 1818. Immigrant farmers from Germany and Sweden arrived in the mid-19th century to work the rich soil, and Illinois became one of America’s most industrialized states soon after.
Today, Illinois is one of the nation’s manufacturing leaders. Illinois is also a leader in nuclear power, with six operating nuclear power plants.
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Is Illinois a Good Place to Live?
Illinois is a great place to live. If you’re moving to Illinois, you can rest easy knowing there are many amazing Illinois cities to live in. The state is home to some of the top-ranked schools and colleges in the US, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.
With more than 5 million volumes, Chicago Public Library is the largest public library in the world. Illinois is a leader in soy, corn, and wheat production. A low cost of living, great schools, and good job opportunities make Illinois a favorable place to live. Thirty-five Fortune 500 companies are located in Illinois, including Abbott Laboratories, Allstate, and State Farm Insurance.
Moving to Illinois gives you world-class attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking or horseback riding through the Shawnee National Forest. Starved Rock State Park features dramatic bluffs and miles of forested hiking trails. Cahokia Mounds is a historic site of the ancient Mississippian culture, one of the largest and most sophisticated communities in the ancient Americas.
Those moving to Illinois have access to Illinois Beach State Park, which offers a perfect opportunity to brave the chilly waters of the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan in the summer, or go cross-country skiing in the wintertime. Springfield is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Films such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, and The Breakfast Club were filmed in Illinois. The famous Home Alone house is located in Winnetka, Illinois. Illinois is a fantastic place to live. This guide will help you review everything you need to know about moving to Illinois before you pack up and head to the Land of Lincoln. No wonder so many are moving to Illinois.
What Is Illinois Known for?
Illinois is known for Chicago, a leading cultural center in the country with a wide array of attractions. Chicago is amongst the world’s busiest airports. For those moving to Illinois, the state is also known for agriculture. It’s a leading producer of corn, soybeans, and pork. The first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. Illinois State University is one of the ten largest producers of teachers in the United States.
If you’re moving to Illinois, it has many scenic spots and many opportunities for camping, hiking, cycling, and picnics both in the central location of the state and the southern part of the state. The Italian Beef Sandwich, deep dish pizza, and the Chicago-style hot dog all originated in Illinois. The state is also a leader in technology and innovation, agribusiness, and food processing.
Many people think that the Chicago area is the only place to reside in Illinois. That couldn’t be further from the truth. There are plenty of great cities near Chicago to live in.
Where Is Illinois?
Illinois is located in the Midwest. If you’re moving to Illinois, you’ll border Wisconsin to the north, Lake Michigan to the northeast, and Indiana to the east. The Mississippi River forms a western border with Iowa and Missouri. The Wabash and Ohio rivers separate it from Kentucky are its southern border.
What are the Regions of Illinois?
Illinois is divided into three regions: Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois. Those moving to Illinois have their pick. Northern Illinois features rolling hills, valleys, and the highest point in Illinois, Charles Mound, with an elevation of 1,235 feet. Central Illinois is mostly flat prairie land with rich, fertile soils. Southern Illinois features the Shawnee Hills and is more rugged and forested than the rest of the state.
How Big is Illinois?
Illinois is 57,915 mi².
Is Illinois a State?
Yes, Illinois is a state.
What is the Capital of Illinois?
The capital of Illinois is Springfield.
Transportation in Illinois
Does Illinois Have a Good Interstate Highway System?
Interstates I-80, I-90, and I-70 extend east-west through Illinois, and I-39, I-55, and I-57 are the major north-south corridors that form a vast interstate highway system in Illinois. Additional east-west corridors that traverse the state include I-24, I-64, and I-74. Illinois has 2,185 miles of interstate, the third most in the country. The state’s extensive network of highways also includes 15,969 miles of state highways. Illinois is home to 7 of the 150 nationally designated scenic byways.
Does Illinois Have Good Public Transportation?
Amtrak has 32 stations across the state for passenger service, 14 of which have connections to bus service, 2 to ferry service, and 6 to intercity bus service. A total of 63 public transit operators/providers in Illinois provide bus service to an estimated 400 million bus riders statewide. Out of 102 counties in Illinois, 96 of them offer some type of transit service to their communities.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the second-largest public transportation system in the nation, servicing over 545 million riders a year. The CTA system is made up of 140 bus routes and 242 miles of rapid transit rail track. The Chicago region is also served by Metra, the commuter rail agency in Northeastern Illinois, operating 11 lines and 241 stations, with an annual ridership of more than 81 million. Pace is the suburban bus agency that services over 39 million riders per year.
What Major Airports are in Illinois?
Of the 119 public airports in Illinois, there are a number of major airports. Major international airports include Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, Quad City International Airport, Clow International Airport, Lawrenceville-Vincennes International Airport, and the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with nearly 40 airlines, 585 flights per day, and serving about 15 million passengers per year.
How Many People Live in Illinois?
Illinois has a population of 12,812,508, according to the 2020 census, and it is the sixth-largest state in the nation according to the population data. The population data in Illinois shows that the overall Illinois population declined slightly from 2010 to 2020 by about 18,000 residents.
Moving to Illinois means you’ll have a lot of neighbors. The population density in Illinois is 232 per square mile. Illinois is the most populous state in the Midwest region, and its largest city, Chicago, is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2,746,388. The Chicago metropolitan area contains 65% of the state’s residents and is home to 9.6 million residents.
Illinois Race & Ethnicity
- White alone 76.0%
- Black or African American alone 14.6%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.6%
- Asian alone 6.3%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.1%
- Two or more race 2.3%
- Hispanic 19.0%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 58.8%
Illinois Demographics & Population Data
- Population density: 232 per square mile
- Median age: 38.7
- Sex ratio: 49.4% Males, 50.6% Females
- Median household income: $81,702
- Educational attainment: 90.3% high school degree or higher, 37.2% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 14.4%
- Veteran population: 493,667
What Famous People Are from Illinois?
Supermodel Cindy Crawford, actor Robin Williams, actor Harrison Ford, comedian Richard Pryor, comedian Jack Benny, Walt Disney, Ernest Hemingway, TV host Oprah Winfrey, band leader Benny Goodman, and legendary football coach George Halas all hail from Illinois. Four US presidents have called Illinois home: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama. Those moving to Illinois cities are in good company.
What Are the Largest Cities in Illinois?
The largest city in Illinois by far is Chicago, which is about 15 times the size of Aurora, the state’s second-largest city. As the state’s largest city, Chicago is the most well-known. Of the 325 cities in Illinois, here is the list of the 10 biggest cities in Illinois:
- Chicago 2,743,329
- Aurora 180,215
- Joliet 150,251
- Naperville 149,419
- Rockford 148,670
- Elgin 114,617
- Springfield 114,298
- Peoria 112,845
- Waukegan 89,119
- Champaign 88,368
Cities in Illinois Map
Where is Illinois on the map? Check out the state and Illinois towns on this map.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Illinois?
Moving to Illinois has many options when it comes to where to live. Whether you’re looking for a central location or a city close to the Great Lakes, Illinois is truly home to it all. With an excellent quality of life, a thriving economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education, Illinois offers opportunities for families, retirees, young professionals, and more. Here are some of the best places to live in Illinois, depending on what you’re looking for:
What Is the Happiest City in Illinois?
Aurora IL ranks 37th as the happiest city in the U.S. and is the #1 happiest place to live in Illinois, with good job opportunities, a family-friendly atmosphere, high-quality schools, and great neighborhoods. This is one of the best places to live in US, and it’s one of the largest cities in Illinois.
Where Is the Most Scenic Place to Live in Illinois?
Two of the most scenic places in Illinois are Rockford and Hinsdale. Those moving to Illinois have their pick of scenic places. Rockford has lots of green spaces, including parks and Japanese gardens. Hinsdale is a picturesque Midwest community with small-town charm.
What Are the Best Cities in Illinois?
Five Illinois cities were listed among the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States by Livability. The ranking is based on the city’s economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education, and health. The five cities in Illinois that made the list are Naperville, Evanston, Bloomington, Peoria, and Champaign. These are the best cities to live in Illinois.
Where Are the Best Places to Raise a Family in Illinois?
When looking for a place to raise a family when moving to Illinois, things to look for include great schools, a safe city with a low crime rate, an affordable cost of living, excellent childcare facilities and providers, and good parks and playgrounds. Three of the best places to raise a family in Illinois are Oak Park, Glenview, and Naperville.
Where Are the Best Places to Live in Illinois for Retirees?
Retirees are typically looking for an affordable cost of living, great healthcare, and easy access to shopping and dining. Illinois offers diverse options that include large cities like Chicago and Peoria and smaller cities with a slower pace. Depending on how you want to spend your golden years, two of the best places to retire in Illinois are Danville and Freeport.
What Is the Cost of Living in Illinois?
Illinois offers the 17th lowest cost of living in the U.S. The cost of living Illinois offers is a huge pro to moving to Illinois. This is good news for those moving to Illinois. The Illinois cost of living index is 95.5, ranking it 26th in the nation. The index compares the relative cost of living in one location to another, taking into account housing, food, transportation, utilities, and other essential expenses. The national average is 100. The Chicago area cost of living index is 105.7, slightly higher than the national average.
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average expenditure for an Illinois resident is $49,558 per year. Per doxoINSIGHTS, the average monthly household bill in Illinois is $2,204 and includes utilities, cable & phone, mobile phone, and other essential expenses. Illinois residents pay about 4% more for household bills than the national average and rank as the 20th most expensive state in the U.S.
Illinois has some of the highest average property and sales tax rates in the country. The state uses a flat income tax rate but doesn’t tax retirement income or Social Security, making moving to Illinois attractive for retirees. The income tax rate is 4.95%, and property is taxed at 2.08% of a home’s assessed value; however, real estate taxes vary depending on where you live. The combined average sales tax rate is 8.85 percent.
Is Illinois cheaper than Ohio?
The cost of living is significantly lower in Ohio than in Illinois. Housing, taxes, and rents are all typically less in Ohio. Comparing major cities, Chicago has a cost of living 16% higher than Columbus. Still, people often choose moving to Illinois cities as they are some of the best cities to live in the US.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Illinois?
White Hall is the cheapest place to live in Illinois, with a cost of living 17% below the state average. Housing is 52% cheaper than the state average. If you’re moving to Illinois for affordability, this is one of the best cities to move to.
Illinois Housing Market
Illinois has a strong housing market for those moving to Illinois. The median price of a home in Illinois is $290,100, which is an 8.5% increase from the previous year. The city of Kenilworth has the highest average home prices in Illinois, with a typical home value of $1,784,396. Rockford is one of the most affordable places to live in Illinois, with a median home sale price of $156,000.
What Is the Average Rent in Illinois?
The average rent for an 835-square-foot apartment in Illinois is $1,944. By comparison, rents in California average $2,587/mo., in Florida $1,955/mo., and in Michigan $1,346/mo.
The most affordable rental prices in Illinois are in Genoa, where the average rent goes for $820 per month. Oak Brook has the most expensive rental costs, at $3,747 a month.
What Is the Weather Like in Illinois?
Northern Illinois has a humid continental climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. The southern half of the state has a humid subtropical climate, with more moderate winters. Summer highs range from 70-85° in the state. The average precipitation ranges from 48 inches a year in the south to 35 inches in the north.
Annual snowfall exceeds 38 inches in Chicago but is only about 14 inches in the south. Illinois averages around 50 days of thunderstorms per year, higher than the national average. An average of 54 tornadoes hit the state annually. Those moving to Illinois should be prepared for all.
Does Illinois have all 4 Seasons?
Yes, Illinois enjoys four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with average lows in the teens. Spring is rainy, with average highs in the 60s. Summer is hot and humid, with average highs in the 80s. Fall brings changing leaves and average highs in the 60–70°F range.
How Much Snow Does Illinois Get?
Illinois gets an average of 20 inches of snow per year. Cities in Northern Illinois can see as much as 37 inches, while the southern part of the state gets as little as 10 inches. Those living in Illinois will be familiar with snow.
Things to Do in Illinois
Is Illinois a good place to live? It is if you love fun things to do! What is there to do in Illinois? Illinois offers world-class galleries, top music venues, and many cultural attractions. The array of art galleries in the state showcases works ranging from traditional to contemporary.
Chicago has some of the most prestigious galleries in the U.S. Music lovers will find plenty of blues, jazz, rock, and hip-hop venues. Illinois offers an abundance of museums and theater and performing arts options as well. Here are some of the top attractions in Illinois:
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the country. It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world outside the Louvre and is home to more than 300,000 pieces of art, including thousands of world-renowned masterpieces.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue, interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and lots of green space. Many free events are hosted there throughout the year.
Field Museum
This natural history museum features the largest dinosaur ever discovered, the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered, and over 10,000 years of Chinese history and culture.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Home to more than 35,000 artifacts and hundreds of exhibits from the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and life, with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, live science experiences, special events, 3D movie screenings, and more.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Minutes from downtown Chicago, the zoo houses lions, meerkats, gorillas, wolves, rhinos, hippos, and many more wild animals. Lincoln Park Zoo is always free, too.
Starved Rock State Park
A beautiful park with seasonal waterfalls, 13 miles of trails to explore, and fishing and boating on the Illinois River. It’s a must-see for those living in Illinois.
Shedd Aquarium
Home to 32,600 species of sea life and one-of-a-kind experiences, such as shark feedings, penguin encounters, and the chance to be a “Trainer for a Day.”
Navy Pier
Completed in 1916, Navy Pier stretches into Lake Michigan and hosts events such as summer fireworks displays, live music, theatre, and cruises. Definitely check it out while living in Illinois!
The Chicago Theatre
A landmark built in 1921 that hosts stage plays, magic shows, comedy, speeches, sporting events, and popular music concerts. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The preserved Springfield home and related historic district where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861. The presidential memorial includes the four blocks surrounding the home and a visitor center.
Illinois Sports Teams
Chicago is one of the top sports cities in the country, attracting fans from all over the world. The major sports teams in the state are the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sky, Chicago Fire FC, and Chicago White Sox.
Illinois basketball and Illinois football are extremely popular. Illinois has won numerous championships, including 1 Super Bowl, 4 World Series, 6 Stanley Cups, 6 NBA Championships, 1 MLS Cup, and 1 WNBA Championship. Illinois also has 13 NCAA Division I athletic programs, including 7 in the Chicago area, and Chicagoland Speedway is home to NASCAR’s Camping World 400 every year.
Is Illinois Safe?
Illinois is a safe place to live. The violent crime rate in the state is 287 per 100,000, which is 25% lower than the U.S. rate of 381 per 100,000 people. Illinois ranks 30th in the United States for its overall crime rate, but it has the highest robbery rate in the Midwest and the second-highest murder rate in the region.
By comparison, Ohio ranks 29th with 296 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Indiana ranks 27th with 306 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The Illinois violent crime rate has decreased steadily from 411 crimes per 100,000 people in 2018. Campton Hills is considered the safest city in Illinois, with only one reported crime in the city in 2024. Chicago Heights ranks as the city with the highest violent crime rate, with 1,902 crimes per 100,000 people.
Those living in Illinois will experience a safe place to live.
Illinois Economy
Illinois is the fifth-largest state economy in the United States, with a GDP of $900.9 billion. Over the past five years, Illinois’ GDP has grown annually by 2.9%. Chicago is home to many large companies, including McDonald’s, United Airlines, and Walgreens. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange is the world’s largest futures exchange. Top Illinois industries include agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and nuclear power.
What Is the Largest Employer in Illinois?
Allegiance Properties is the largest employer in Illinois, with 561,720 employees.
How Many Fortune 500 Companies Are Headquartered in Illinois?
Illinois has 35 Fortune 500 Headquarters, ranking it fourth in the U.S.
What Is the Average Income in Illinois?
The annual mean wage in Illinois is $67,130 across all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median income for all occupations across all metropolitan areas in the United States is around $65,470. In the Chicago area, the annual mean wage is $69,490.
What Is the Average Teacher Salary in Illinois?
The mean annual wage for all secondary teachers is $80,200.
What Is the Median Household Income in Illinois?
The median household income in Illinois is $81,702.
Education in Illinois
According to U.S. News & World Report, Illinois ranks 16th in the U.S. for education. The top-rated school districts in the state are Adlai E. Stevenson High School District No. 125 in Lincolnshire, Glenbrook High School District 225 in Glenview, and Evanston Township High School District No. 202 in Evanston.
Notable private schools in Illinois include Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, British International School of Chicago, South Loop in Chicago, and Roycemore School in Evanston. Some of the major colleges and universities in Illinois are Northwestern University in Evanston, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois in Champaign.
How Many State Universities Are in Illinois?
Illinois has 12 state universities, including Chicago State and Eastern Illinois, and Illinois State.
How Many Colleges and Universities Are in Illinois?
Illinois has over 125 public and private institutions that range from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities.
How Many School Districts Are in Illinois?
Illinois has 852 public school districts.
Facts About Illinois
- The Sears Tower in Chicago is the tallest building in America.
- Illinois was the first state in the U.S. to ratify the Constitution’s 13th amendment, which abolished slavery.
- The first McDonald’s was built in Des Plaines, IL.
- Illinois produces more nuclear energy than any other state in the country.
- Twinkies were first invented in River Forest, IL in 1930.
- The word Illinois originates from the word “Illini,” which was once a confederation of several Indian tribes.
- Chicago, IL is home to the world’s largest public library.
- Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkins in the country.
- The tallest man ever documented was born in Alton, Illinois. Robert Pershing Wadlow was 8 feet 11 inches tall.
Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Great food and dining options
- Natural beauty
- World-class entertainment
- Sports
Cons:
- Risk of tornadoes and other natural disasters
- Harsh winters
- High taxes
- Traffic congestion
Moving to Illinois? Federal Companies Can Help
Is Illinois a good place to live? After reading through this guide, you can decide for yourself! When it’s time to move to Illinois, you’ll need a top-rated Illinois moving company to help, and you’ve found it at Federal Companies! With over a century of experience, we’ll ensure that you’ll get to your new location quickly.
Whether you’re moving long distance, need help storing your items, relocating specialty items, or just need to move locally in Illinois, you can count on us for affordable pricing. Give us a call at 800-747-4100 for a free quote today!
