Illinois
Midwest · Capital: Springfield · Chicago's global reach with Midwestern affordability outside it.
Population
12.5M
Median Home
$270K
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Avg Salary
$68,000
Income Tax
4.95%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Illinois
Illinois is anchored by Chicago, a genuine global city with a diverse economy spanning finance, transportation, tech, and culture — and, notably, some of the most affordable big-city housing in America. A flat income tax and world-class amenities make it a strong value compared to the coasts.
The catch is among the highest property taxes in the nation and a persistent state fiscal reputation that has driven some population loss. Outside Chicagoland, much of the state is affordable agricultural land, but job growth is concentrated in the metro.
Region
Midwest
Capital
Springfield
Homeownership
67%
Unemployment
4.6%
Top cities
Chicago
Population 2.7M
Global city with deep, diversified industries.
Aurora
Population 180K
Large, diverse suburb west of Chicago.
Naperville
Population 150K
Top-rated schools and family suburb.
Rockford
Population 147K
Affordable manufacturing city in the north.
Springfield
Population 114K
State capital steeped in Lincoln history.
Peoria
Population 112K
Riverfront city and Caterpillar's former HQ.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Illinois's overall cost index is 94 — a moderate cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$270K
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Property Tax
2.08%
Homeowners
67%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | High cost | $1,700/mo |
| Aurora | Moderate cost | $1,350/mo |
| Naperville | High cost | $1,700/mo |
| Rockford | Low cost | $1,075/mo |
| Springfield | Low cost | $1,075/mo |
About 67% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 2.08% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Illinois
Explore Illinois vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- Boeing
- Abbott Laboratories
- United Airlines
- Walgreens
Unemployment
4.6%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Illinois public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Chicago area schools, Aurora area schools, Naperville area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Chicago
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Rush University Medical Center
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Chicago. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
55/100
Transit
Chicago's CTA trains, buses, and Metra rail make it one of the most transit-rich cities outside the coasts.
I-70, I-80, and I-94 form the backbone of cross-country freight and commuting. Average one-way commute is about 28 minutes; walkability scores near 55/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Chicago
United and American Airlines hub
Chicago
Southwest Airlines hub
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid continental with hot summers and cold, snowy, windy winters.
Taxes
State income tax
4.95%
State sales tax
6.25%
Property tax
2.08%
State income tax: 4.95%. Statewide sales tax is 6.25% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 2.08% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
30 days to register, 90 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$150
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Vibrant
Best for founders
Yes
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $150. Startup resources include the Springfield Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Chicago and Aurora. Rates track the state's moderate cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Lollapalooza
One of the world's biggest music festivals, in Grant Park.
Taste of Chicago
Massive lakefront celebration of the city's food scene.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
Highly diverse, with large Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities across the metro.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Chicago and Aurora are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Chicago's rich mosaic includes major Black, Mexican, Polish, and Indian communities and distinct ethnic neighborhoods.
The honest take on Illinois
Pros
- World-class city amenities and transit
- Affordable big-city housing
- Diverse, strong job market
Cons
- Very high property taxes
- Harsh, windy winters
- State fiscal challenges
Create my move plan for Illinois
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