Illinois
Illinois

All in Illinois

From great jobs to entertainment, Illinois is the land of opportunity.

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Illinois

Thinking of moving to Illinois? Anyone can settle in as a resident of the Land of Lincoln, as this Midwest state offers everything from quiet, rural living to a fast-paced city lifestyle.

Agricultural jobs are plentiful in Illinois, as the state’s 75,000 farms are feeding the world. But farming only scrapes the surface of industries thriving here. Illinois is a top dog when it comes to biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, food production (do brands like General Mills and Sara Lee ring any bells?), energy and logistics. And we can’t forget about Chicago. The Windy City is a global business destination, drawing businesses and talent from all over the world.

Speaking of attracting people from far and wide, the state’s sports teams – the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks – are reason enough to move to Illinois. But add to all of this a slew of top-notch restaurants (Chicago alone has 5,000), the Shawnee National Forest, the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and Fox River Valley, which includes a 40-mile bike trail, and we’ve got … well, your perfect state.

Read on to learn more about working and living in Illinois.

Quick Facts About Illinois

Median Household Income
$85,643
Average Property Tax
$2,834
State Population
12,781,628
Sales Tax Rate
6.25 %
State Income Tax
4.95%
Median Monthly Rent
$1,083

Cities in Illinois on Livability.com

Experiences & Adventures in Illinois

Person watches an airplane take off into the sunset.

How to Maximize Your PTO in 2026 – And Where to Spend it

Want to know how to turn 14 days of PTO into 45 days off this year? Maximize your PTO at these must-visit destinations across the country.

Pumpkin Patch

7 Pumpkin Patches to Add to Your Fall Bucket List

Whether you’re carving them or using them as decor, these pumpkin patches can’t be missed.

Little blue truck full of pumpkins at a pumpkin patch.

Where to Pick Pumpkins in Every State

We scoured all 50 states to pinpoint the perfect place to pick your pumpkin this Halloween season. Here's where to find them.

Food Scenes in Illinois

Women shopping at Moore's Produce Booth at the North Carolina State Farmers Market in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Official Food of Each State in the U.S

Eat your way through America the beautiful with our guide to the official food of each state.

Make Your Move to Illinois

Glow sticks and plenty of Illini pride light up State Farm Center as members of the Orange Krush cheer on the University of Illinois men's basketball team. The work of the Orange Krush does more than just help the team on the court. As a branch of the registered student organization, Illini Pride, at the University of Illinois at UrbanañChampaign, Orange Krush members fund raise, donating more than $2 million to help local and national charities.

10 Reasons Champaign, IL, Is a Great Place To Live

Plenty to see and do, plus unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Illinois, make Champaign a stand-out place to live.

Illinois: Where to Live Now

Wisconsin State Capitol and Madison skyline panorama. The Wisconsin State Capitol, houses both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature, Supreme Court and the Office of the Governor.

Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest

These 25 Midwestern cities each have something special to offer residents.

A view of the riverwalk in Naperville, Illinois.

Best Places To Live in Illinois

Rich in history, culture and farmland, Illinois is a great place to hang your hat. Read on to explore the best places to live in Illinois!

LOTW Golf Course

Discover 9 Communities Near Champaign, IL

Find your perfect home and neighborhood in this central Illinois region.

Education, Careers and Opportunity in Illinois

Abhik Borthakur

I Came to Champaign, IL, for College and Stayed for My Career

A transplant shares what he loves about the region and why he decided to make it home.

University of Illinois

I Grew My Business in Champaign, IL, and You Should, Too

The cofounder of an ag tech company shares why relocating to the region has been great for business. 

Illinois: Love Where You Live

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50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Olympics

Can't make it to Milano Cortina for the Winter Games and have some serious FOMO? Us, too! Here are 50 things you might not know about the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.

Selective focus of couple hands which Couple drinking wine in sea restaurant on the beach background

The Most Romantic City In Every State

This Valentine's Day hit the open road with your honey and explore the most romantic cities around the country.

Darius White

Champaign, IL — and Its Sister City Urbana — Make Relocating Easy

Two community-wide relocation programs help newcomers find their way in their new community.

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