Illinois
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Illinois vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Illinois
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | A+ | 61.1 | 114,394 | $93,864 | 430 | 93 |
| 2 | Evanston | A | 54.7 | 78,110 | $83,293 | 425 | 83 |
| 3 | Rockford | B+ | 54.6 | 148,655 | $87,817 | 473 | 97 |
| 4 | Naperville | B | 54.5 | 149,540 | $66,006 | 354 | 97 |
| 5 | Chicago | B | 53.1 | 2,696,555 | $76,083 | 423 | 94 |
| 6 | Joliet | C+ | 52.6 | 150,362 | $84,838 | 414 | 84 |
| 7 | Champaign | C | 51.9 | 88,302 | $84,840 | 400 | 85 |
| 8 | Peoria | C | 51.0 | 113,150 | $67,331 | 311 | 98 |
| 9 | Schaumburg | D | 50.3 | 78,723 | $88,307 | 501 | 80 |
| 10 | Aurora | F | 49.9 | 180,542 | $86,191 | 408 | 98 |
More Midwest States
Illinois Rankings Overview
Illinois earns an overall grade of B with a composite score of 54.6 out of 100, ranking #26 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (71/100) while its biggest challenge is Growth (32/100).
Economy & Employment in Illinois
With an unemployment rate of 4.6% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Illinois performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $78,304, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Illinois
Illinois's violent crime rate of 393 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Illinois
Illinois ranks #21 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #15 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Illinois's overall ranking?
Illinois ranks #26 out of 50 states with a composite score of 54.6/100 and a grade of B.
Is Illinois a good place to live?
Illinois scores 54.6/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Illinois?
The violent crime rate in Illinois is 393 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Illinois's economy compare?
Illinois's median household income is $78,304 with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Illinois?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Illinois are Springfield, Evanston, and Rockford.