Best Cities for Families in Illinois

Illinois lands in the middle of the pack for families at #25 out of 50 states. The state has genuine strengths — education scores strong at 71/100 — but also areas that may give parents pause. The 87% high school graduation rate leaves room for improvement, and the median home price of $286,000 keeps homeownership within reach.

Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Illinois delivers on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 87%, roughly in line with national norms. School quality has been a consistent strength, reflected in an education score of 71/100. At $13,350 per year for infant care, childcare is a significant budget item that families need to plan for.

Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Illinois faces elevated crime rates that families should factor into neighborhood selection at 393 incidents per 100,000 residents. With a cost-of-living index of 99, household expenses are close to the national norm — neither a major advantage nor a dealbreaker.