Moving to Illinois means balancing career opportunities, housing costs, and higher property taxes with the lifestyle you want.
Illinois offers more than Chicago's busy streets. You'll find quiet communities, open farmland, established suburbs, and a mix of places to call home. But before you start packing, it is important to understand how housing costs, job opportunities, taxes, and harsh winters will shape your day-to-day life.
A lower home price doesn't always mean a cheaper life, especially when taxes and monthly bills enter the picture.
Consider Illinois's cost of living, housing expenses, and job opportunities before you sign a lease or buy a home. As you plan, these tips for moving to another state will help you organize your next steps.
And if you are still deciding where to move in the USA, let's discuss how Illinois compares with other places that match your budget and lifestyle.
- Moving to Illinois at a Glance
- Illinois Relocation Quick Facts
- Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois
- Illinois Population and Migration Trends
- Best Places to Live in Illinois
- Compare Illinois' Major Cities
- Cost of Living in Illinois
- Taxes and Insurance in Illinois
- Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Illinois?
- Crime and Safety in Illinois
- Illinois Weather and Climate
- Healthcare in Illinois
- Schools and Colleges in Illinois
- Transportation and Commuting in Illinois
- Is Illinois Right for Your Situation?
- How Much Does It Cost to Move to Illinois?
- Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Illinois
- FAQs
- Our Research and Data Process
Moving to Illinois at a Glance
Is Illinois a Good Place to Live?
Yes. Illinois offers jobs in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and other major industries. You'll also find established communities, strong educational options, and a variety of housing options. High property taxes and cold winters are the main downsides.
Is Moving to Illinois Worth It?
Yes, if your income comfortably covers housing, taxes, and daily expenses. Illinois has a median home value of $263,300, making homeownership more accessible than in many high-cost states.
Who Is Illinois Best Suited For?
Families looking for schools and established neighborhoods, professionals seeking better career options, students, and first-time homebuyers. Retirees also benefit from Illinois's tax treatment of qualifying retirement income.
Who May Not Enjoy Living in Illinois?
People who dislike freezing winters, want low property taxes, or prefer living without a car. Public transportation is not widely available across much of the state, so many residents drive every day.
Illinois Relocation Quick Facts
| Category | Illinois Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Capital | Springfield |
| Largest City | Chicago |
| Major Cities | Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield |
| Population | 12,719,141 (2025 estimate) |
| Population Growth | -0.8% since 2020 |
| Time Zone | Central Time |
| Climate Type | Cold winters, hot summers, and four distinct seasons |
| Median Household Income | $83,390/year |
| Basic Living Cost | $41,061/year after taxes |
| Median Home Value | $263,300 |
| Median Gross Rent | $1,274/month |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% flat rate |
| State Sales Tax | 6.25% statewide |
Pros and Cons of Living in Illinois
Pros
- Plenty of jobs in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and transportation.
- A median home value of $263,300 makes housing more affordable than in many coastal states.
- Established public schools, universities, and career training programs.
- Major highways, airports, and rail connections make travel convenient.
- Access to major hospitals and specialized medical care.
- State parks, lakes, outdoor recreation, and four distinct seasons.
Cons
- High property taxes make owning a home more expensive over time.
- Snow, icy roads, and freezing temperatures make winters difficult.
- Heating bills and winter home maintenance add to living expenses.
- Most communities outside major transit areas rely heavily on cars.
- People in rural areas often travel farther for specialist appointments.
- Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding affect some parts of Illinois.
Illinois Population and Migration Trends
Illinois's population is growing again after several years of decline. The state reached 12,719,141 residents in 2025, gaining 16,108 people in one year. Still, its population remains 0.8% below its 2020 estimated base.
How Many People Live in Illinois?
Best Places to Live in Illinois
The best places to live in Illinois depend on your job, budget, and daily routine. Some communities offer stronger career opportunities, while others stand out for schools, healthcare, or college life.
Naperville
Schools, parks, and established neighborhoods, with a median household income of $155,105.
Chicago
Illinois's largest city, with 2,731,585 residents in 2025, major employers, public transit, and entertainment.
Aurora
Suburban living and access to Chicago-area jobs, with a median household income of $93,633.
Champaign
University employment, research, healthcare, and an average commute of 14.9 minutes.
Bloomington
Insurance, healthcare, and education jobs, with established residential communities.
Springfield
State government employment, hospitals, and convenient access to everyday services.
Compare Illinois' Major Cities
| City | Population | Growth | Basic Monthly Cost* | Median Home Value | Median Rent | Median HH Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 2.73M | -0.6% | $3,606 | $334.1K | $1,440 | $77,902 |
| Aurora | 181.5K | +0.5% | $3,606 | $274.8K | $1,596 | $93,633 |
| Naperville | 153.1K | +2.4% | $3,606 | $540.2K | $1,885 | $155,105 |
| Joliet | 152.2K | +1.2% | $3,606 | $265.8K | $1,276 | $92,201 |
| Rockford | 147.4K | -1.1% | $2,968 | $129.0K | $985 | $54,752 |
| Springfield | 113.0K | -1.4% | $3,013 | $162.1K | $975 | $66,064 |
| Peoria | 110.9K | -2.0% | $2,924 | $156.2K | $1,005 | $59,410 |
| Champaign | 91.2K | +3.3% | $3,028 | $210.9K | $1,123 | $56,118 |
| Bloomington | 78.8K | +0.1% | $3,038 | $203.3K | $1,050 | $77,384 |
| Evanston | 76.4K | -2.2% | $3,606 | $481.2K | $1,762 | $96,434 |
Cost of Living in Illinois
A statewide average doesn't tell the whole story of what you'll pay each month. Illinois's 2024 price index was 99.958, nearly the national average of 100. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare still take a significant share of household income, especially for families with children.
Housing Costs
Homebuyers in Illinois are facing higher prices than a year ago. Zillow reported a typical home value of $295,943 in 2026, up 5.3% from the previous year.
Illinois home values are still rising.
The state's home value remains below Zillow's national figure, but prices keep climbing. Buyers should budget for the full cost of ownership, not just the mortgage.
| Housing Expense | Latest Cost |
|---|---|
| Typical home value | $295,943 |
| Median sold price | $330,000 |
Everyday Monthly Costs
Illinois vs. the U.S. Average
Taxes and Insurance in Illinois
That lower home price doesn't tell you what homeownership will cost over time. Illinois has a 4.95% flat income tax, a 6.25% statewide general sales tax, and some of the nation's highest property taxes.
| Expense | Illinois Rate or Cost |
|---|---|
| State income tax | 4.95% flat rate |
| State sales tax | 6.25% on general merchandise |
| Grocery tax | 0% statewide |
| Property tax | 1.88% average effective residential rate |
| Homeowners insurance | $270/month |
| Flood insurance | $100/month median |
Illinois's Overall Tax Burden Compared With Nearby States
Illinois has a higher overall tax burden than several neighboring states.
| State | Overall Tax Burden | Property | Income | Sales & Excise | Difference vs. Illinois | Per $100K Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 9.92% | 3.75% | 2.40% | 3.77% | Baseline | Baseline |
| Iowa | 9.21% | 3.32% | 2.36% | 3.53% | -0.71 pts | -$710 |
| Indiana | 9.12% | 2.15% | 3.05% | 3.91% | -0.80 pts | -$800 |
| Kentucky | 8.76% | 1.95% | 3.15% | 3.66% | -1.16 pts | -$1,160 |
| Wisconsin | 8.12% | 2.84% | 2.39% | 2.89% | -1.80 pts | -$1,800 |
| Missouri | 7.84% | 2.35% | 2.38% | 3.11% | -2.08 pts | -$2,080 |
How Expensive Is It to Live in Illinois?
A household with two children needs more income than a couple without children, mainly because of childcare, housing, and other family expenses.
| Household | Living Wage | Basic Monthly Budget | Annual Income Before Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $24.42/hour | $3,422 | $50,796 |
| Couple, both working | $16.61/hour each | $4,826 | $69,086 combined |
| Family of four, two working parents | $29.34/hour each | $8,579 | $122,060 combined |
Where Are the Best Job Opportunities in Illinois?
In 2026, Illinois had 6.16 million jobs, up 0.2% from a year earlier. The state's official job board also listed 75,535 available jobs.
Illinois's Top Career Hubs
Top career hubs by pay. Approximate average annual pay across all occupations, by metro.
| City | Top Industries | Average Annual Pay (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Finance, technology, healthcare | $73,400 |
| Bloomington | Insurance, finance | $70,000 |
| Springfield | Government, healthcare | $69,800 |
| Champaign–Urbana | Education, healthcare | $68,300 |
| Peoria | Healthcare, manufacturing | $68,100 |
Crime and Safety in Illinois
The neighborhood you choose matters more than the state's overall crime rate. Illinois has communities with very low reported crime, while other areas face higher risks.
Is Illinois a Safe Place to Live?
Yes, many parts of Illinois are safe places to live. In 2025, Illinois recorded about 251 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, nearly 23% below the U.S. average. Property crime was about 1,508 per 100,000 residents, also slightly below the national average.
Illinois Violent and Property Crime Trends
Illinois saw different trends across major offenses in 2024. The following FBI-based figures compare crime rates with the previous year and show Illinois's national standing.
| Crime Measure | 2024 Rate per 100K | Change From 2023 | Compared With the U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | 289 | -6.3% | 19.5% lower |
| Property crime | 1,715 | +0.54% | 2.6% lower |
| Overall crime | 2,004 | -0.51% | Lower |
| Murder | 6 | -12.1% | Higher |
| Robbery | 90 | -17.6% | Higher |
| Burglary | 291 | +25.3% | Higher |
| Motor vehicle theft | 290 | -15.1% | Higher |
Safest Cities and Communities in Illinois
| Community | Violent Crime per 100K | Property Crime per 100K | Safety Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn Woods | 0.0 | 137.3 | No reported violent offenses |
| Western Springs | 7.6 | 272.9 | Low violent and property crime |
| Minooka | 7.7 | 332.8 | Both rates below state averages |
| Pingree Grove | 8.8 | 158.0 | Low reported crime in both categories |
| Homer Glen | 16.3 | 276.9 | Low violent crime and property offenses |
Road Safety and Traffic Fatalities
Illinois has busy interstate highways, major freight routes, and rural roads with different driving risks.
Illinois Weather and Climate
Illinois has four distinct seasons, but weather varies across the state. Northern Illinois gets colder, snowier winters, while southern Illinois has longer, hotter summers.
Mild & Rainy
Warmer days bring frequent rain, shifting temperatures, and severe thunderstorms.
Hot & Humid
Highs regularly reach the 80s°F, with humid conditions, heat waves, and thunderstorms.
Cool & Comfortable
Cooler nights, pleasant afternoons, and colorful foliage make outdoor activities easier.
Cold & Snowy
Freezing temperatures, snow, and icy roads affect travel, especially in northern Illinois.
What Else to Expect
| Weather Factor | Typical Conditions | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Snowfall | 36 inches in the north; under 10 inches in the south | Snowy roads and winter driving |
| Rainfall | Under 32 inches in the north; over 48 inches in the south | Possible flooding |
| Summer heat | 10–40+ days above 90°F, depending on location | Heat precautions |
| Thunderstorms | 60–80 days annually | Lightning, hail, strong winds |
| Tornadoes | Possible statewide, mainly in warmer months | Follow weather alerts |
| Flooding | Heavy rain and river flooding | Check local flood risks |
Which Parts of Illinois Face the Greatest Weather Risks?
- Northern Illinois: Experiences heavier snowfall, freezing temperatures, winter storms, and icy roads.
- Central Illinois: Faces severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, and seasonal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
- Southern Illinois: Has hotter summers, heavier annual rainfall, and flooding risks near the Mississippi, Ohio, and other major rivers.
Healthcare in Illinois
Illinois has nationally recognized hospitals, cancer centers, trauma facilities, and specialist services concentrated around major population centers. Rural residents face a different situation: specialist and advanced treatment requires longer trips.
Best Hospitals and Medical Centers in Illinois
Illinois's top-ranked hospitals offer cardiology, cancer treatment, trauma services, and other specialized care.
| Rank | Hospital | City | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Northwestern Memorial Hospital | Chicago | Cardiology, cancer, neurology |
| #1 | Rush University Medical Center | Chicago | Orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics |
| #3 | University of Chicago Medical Center | Chicago | Cancer, gastroenterology, specialty care |
| #4 | Advocate Christ Medical Center | Oak Lawn | Cardiac care, trauma, cancer |
| #4 | Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals | Evanston | Specialty care, surgery, medical services |
Rural Healthcare Availability
Smaller hospitals cover everyday medical needs and emergencies, but more advanced treatment involves a trip to a larger city.
| Rural Healthcare Measure | Latest Published Figure |
|---|---|
| Rural counties | 85 of 102 |
| Rural residents | 1,615,681 |
| Critical Access Hospitals | 56 |
| Rural hospitals | 79 |
| Rural counties with hospital birth services | 17 of 65 |
| Rural women living over 30 minutes from a birthing hospital | 34.6% |
| Hospital beds per 10,000 residents | 23.5 statewide |
| Dentists per 10,000 residents | 6.7 statewide |
Schools and Colleges in Illinois
Illinois offers a wide range of public schools, career-focused programs, and universities, but school quality varies by district.
Best-Rated School Districts in Illinois
These districts rank at the top statewide for academics, college preparation, and student programs.
| Illinois Rank | School District | Area | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Glenbrook High School District 225 | Glenview / Northbrook | Advanced academics and college preparation |
| #2 | New Trier Township High School District 203 | Northfield / Winnetka | Academic programs, arts, and athletics |
| #3 | Township High School District 113 | Highland Park / Deerfield | College preparation and extracurricular programs |
| #4 | Community High School District 128 | Vernon Hills / Libertyville | Advanced coursework and college resources |
| #5 | Hinsdale Township High School District 86 | Hinsdale / Darien | Honors courses, academics, and student activities |
Illinois Colleges and Universities
Higher education choices extend from research universities to public colleges with career-focused programs.
| University / College | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana-Champaign | Engineering, computer science, agriculture, research |
| Northwestern University | Evanston | Journalism, business, engineering, medicine |
| University of Chicago | Chicago | Economics, research, public policy, sciences |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago | Medicine, public health, engineering, research |
| Illinois State University | Normal | Education, business, nursing, teaching |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | Carbondale | Aviation, engineering, agriculture, healthcare |
Transportation and Commuting in Illinois
Your daily commute in Illinois depends on where you settle. Chicago has an extensive train and bus network, while smaller communities rely more on personal vehicles.
| Transportation Area | Illinois Data |
|---|---|
| Main interstates | I-24, I-39, I-55, I-57, I-64, I-70, I-74, I-80, I-90, I-94 |
| Public transportation | CTA, Metra, Pace, and local bus services |
| Walking and cycling | Bike trails and walkable areas; varies by city |
| Busiest airport | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Level 2 charging ports | 3,334 |
| DC fast-charging ports | 3,053 |
Do You Need a Car in Illinois?
Yes, a car is the practical choice for most residents outside Chicago and its transit-connected suburbs. CTA, Metra, and Pace serve many Chicago-area communities, but smaller cities and rural areas have fewer public transportation options.
Is Illinois Right for Your Situation?
Moving to Illinois With a Family
For families, Illinois has plenty of public schools, parks, libraries, and activities for kids. You'll find different housing options, from larger family homes to more affordable properties in rural areas.
Moving to Illinois as a Young Professional
Healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing are some of Illinois' major employment industries. Job opportunities and salaries vary across the state, so a higher-paying position doesn't always mean more money left over.
Moving to Illinois as a Single Person
If you enjoy meeting new people, Illinois has music festivals, sports events, local clubs, and plenty of outdoor activities. Some communities have convenient public transit, while others are easier to get around by car.
Moving to Illinois for Retirement
One benefit of retiring in Illinois is that the state doesn't tax qualifying Social Security benefits, pensions, or retirement account income. Property taxes, however, can take a noticeable bite out of a fixed budget.
Moving to Illinois for College
College students have a range of choices in Illinois, from public universities to community colleges and private schools. Eligible Illinois residents may qualify for tuition assistance through the state's Monetary Award Program (MAP).
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Illinois?
Moving to Illinois from another state usually costs around $1,060 to $7,540 for a 2–3-bedroom home with full-service movers, depending on where you're coming from.
The distance, size of your move, and services you choose will make the biggest difference in your final price.
Estimated Moving Costs to Illinois
- Nearby State $1,061–$3,183Wisconsin to IllinoisAbout 91 miles
- Mid-Distance Move $2,403–$6,000Texas to IllinoisAbout 926 miles
- Cross-Country Move $3,230–$7,541California to IllinoisAbout 2,014 miles
Moving Costs by Service Type
The service you choose affects both your budget and how much work you handle. Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading.
Containers give you more control over packing, while rental trucks leave the driving to you.
| Moving Service | Estimated Cost | What You're Paying For | Detailed Cost Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | $2,000–$7,500+ | Professional packing, loading, transportation, and unloading | Full-Service Moving Costs |
| Moving Containers | $238–$7,398 | Container transportation while you handle packing and loading | Moving Container Costs |
| Rental Trucks | $364–$5,618 | Long-distance truck rental, excluding fuel and other driving expenses | Moving Truck Rental Costs |
| Labor-Only Movers | About $192/hour | Two movers for loading and unloading; transportation arranged separately | Labor-Only Moving Costs |
Moving Cost to Illinois From Your State
Pick the state you're moving from to see what a 2–3-bedroom move to Illinois usually costs.
Note: These costs are estimates for moving a 2–3-bedroom home to Illinois. Actual prices depend on your location, moving date, and services. Full-service, container, and truck rental costs are estimates, not final quotes. Labor-only rates are hourly for two movers and don't include transportation.
See moving costs from all 48 states
| Moving Route | Distance (Miles) | Full-Service Movers | Moving Container | Truck Rental | Labor-Only (2 Movers/Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama to Illinois | 670 | $3,841 | $1,804 | $832 | $128/hr |
| Arizona to Illinois | 1,790 | $6,417 | $2,980 | $1,639 | $113/hr |
| Arkansas to Illinois | 650 | $3,795 | $1,782 | $818 | $141/hr |
| California to Illinois | 2,030 | $6,969 | $3,232 | $1,812 | $125/hr |
| Colorado to Illinois | 1,000 | $4,600 | $2,150 | $1,070 | $140/hr |
| Connecticut to Illinois | 880 | $4,324 | $2,024 | $984 | $128/hr |
| Delaware to Illinois | 770 | $4,071 | $1,908 | $904 | $132/hr |
| Florida to Illinois | 1,030 | $4,669 | $2,182 | $1,092 | $108/hr |
| Georgia to Illinois | 730 | $3,979 | $1,866 | $876 | $111/hr |
| Idaho to Illinois | 1,740 | $6,302 | $2,927 | $1,603 | $162/hr |
| Illinois to Illinois | 50 | $2,300 | $530 | $93 | $140/hr |
| Indiana to Illinois | 180 | $2,714 | $1,289 | $480 | $130/hr |
| Iowa to Illinois | 330 | $3,059 | $1,446 | $588 | $167/hr |
| Kansas to Illinois | 730 | $3,979 | $1,866 | $876 | $121/hr |
| Kentucky to Illinois | 350 | $3,105 | $1,468 | $602 | $139/hr |
| Louisiana to Illinois | 1,030 | $4,669 | $2,182 | $1,092 | $147/hr |
| Maine to Illinois | 1,160 | $4,968 | $2,318 | $1,185 | $186/hr |
| Maryland to Illinois | 760 | $4,048 | $1,898 | $897 | $130/hr |
| Massachusetts to Illinois | 1,000 | $4,600 | $2,150 | $1,070 | $150/hr |
| Michigan to Illinois | 300 | $2,990 | $1,415 | $566 | $125/hr |
| Minnesota to Illinois | 440 | $3,312 | $1,562 | $667 | $156/hr |
| Mississippi to Illinois | 790 | $4,117 | $1,930 | $919 | $145/hr |
| Missouri to Illinois | 320 | $3,036 | $1,436 | $580 | $137/hr |
| Montana to Illinois | 1,250 | $5,175 | $2,412 | $1,250 | $207/hr |
| Nebraska to Illinois | 540 | $3,542 | $1,667 | $739 | $164/hr |
| Nevada to Illinois | 1,760 | $6,348 | $2,948 | $1,617 | $112/hr |
| New Hampshire to Illinois | 1,060 | $4,738 | $2,213 | $1,113 | $159/hr |
| New Jersey to Illinois | 810 | $4,163 | $1,950 | $933 | $133/hr |
| New Mexico to Illinois | 1,400 | $5,520 | $2,570 | $1,358 | $149/hr |
| New York to Illinois | 800 | $4,140 | $1,940 | $926 | $147/hr |
| North Carolina to Illinois | 750 | $4,025 | $1,888 | $890 | $127/hr |
| North Dakota to Illinois | 650 | $3,795 | $1,782 | $818 | $215/hr |
| Ohio to Illinois | 320 | $3,036 | $1,436 | $580 | $126/hr |
| Oklahoma to Illinois | 740 | $4,002 | $1,877 | $883 | $110/hr |
| Oregon to Illinois | 2,120 | $7,176 | $3,326 | $1,876 | $125/hr |
| Pennsylvania to Illinois | 760 | $4,048 | $1,898 | $897 | $139/hr |
| Rhode Island to Illinois | 1,050 | $4,715 | $2,202 | $1,106 | $153/hr |
| South Carolina to Illinois | 890 | $4,347 | $2,034 | $991 | $117/hr |
| South Dakota to Illinois | 570 | $3,611 | $1,698 | $760 | $180/hr |
| Tennessee to Illinois | 490 | $3,427 | $1,614 | $703 | $123/hr |
| Texas to Illinois | 960 | $4,508 | $2,108 | $1,041 | $106/hr |
| Utah to Illinois | 1,570 | $5,911 | $2,748 | $1,480 | $141/hr |
| Vermont to Illinois | 980 | $4,554 | $2,129 | $1,056 | $211/hr |
| Virginia to Illinois | 850 | $4,255 | $1,992 | $962 | $132/hr |
| Washington to Illinois | 2,080 | $7,084 | $3,284 | $1,848 | $145/hr |
| West Virginia to Illinois | 540 | $3,542 | $1,667 | $739 | $173/hr |
| Wisconsin to Illinois | 110 | $2,553 | $1,216 | $429 | $136/hr |
| Wyoming to Illinois | 1,010 | $4,623 | $2,160 | $1,077 | $177/hr |
Get a Moving Estimate for Your New Home in Illinois
Use our Moving Cost Calculator to enter your moving details and get a more specific estimate.
Best Moving Companies for Your Move to Illinois
A reliable moving company makes a long-distance move easier, especially when you're bringing furniture and other valuable belongings across state lines. Start with Illinois moving companies and look for movers that serve your specific route, offer clear estimates, and have dependable customer reviews.
Before booking, verify the company's USDOT number and interstate operating authority through the FMCSA mover database. As you compare movers, pay attention to delivery timelines, extra charges, and what each estimate includes. These details matter when you choose the right moving company.
You should also account for packing, paperwork, and pickup dates in your long-distance moving checklist. The companies below are worth considering for your move to Illinois.
Top picks for you
View all ↗
Find Movers for Your Move to Illinois From Another State
When Is the Best Time to Move to Illinois?
Late spring and early fall offer a good balance of comfortable temperatures and fewer weather-related difficulties than winter. Once you pick a season, build your moving timeline around it so you have enough time to prepare.
Best Day and Time for Moving
Tuesday through Thursday are perfect days to compare mover availability and pricing outside busy weekends. An early morning start gives your crew more daylight for loading and unloading.
FAQs
Our Research and Data Process
We created this guide to answer the common questions people have before moving to Illinois. Most of the information comes from government agencies, official public records, and other primary sources. For information that changes more frequently, such as rent, home prices, insurance costs, and moving costs, we also use reliable first-party institutions and established market-data sources to provide the latest available information.
Data Sources Used
We prioritize primary and official sources whenever reliable data is available.
| Source Type | Approx. Share Used | Main Data Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government sources | 46% | Population, employment, income, economic conditions, crime, weather, natural hazards, transportation, migration, energy, and road safety |
| State and local government sources | 26% | Taxes, schools, licensing, transportation, healthcare, public safety, and state-specific regulations |
| First-party institutions and market sources | 18% | Housing, rent, insurance, hospitals, universities, utilities, and moving costs |
| Reputable secondary sources | 10% | Rankings, comparisons, and supporting market context |
- Our public data sources commonly include: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- For state-specific information, we use the Illinois state agencies, county and city governments, public school systems, transportation authorities, public universities, and other official local institutions. Official state and local government websites can also be located through the USA.gov state and local government directory. USAGov
- For local public transportation data, we also use individual transit authorities and the Federal Transit Administration's National Transit Database, which provides profiles for reporting transit agencies across the country.
How Data Was Compared
We make comparisons using the same source, time period, geographic level, and measurement method whenever possible. When a useful figure is not published directly, we calculate it from the underlying data. For example:
- Population growth = percentage change between two comparable population estimates
- Cost difference = state or city value compared with the relevant U.S. benchmark
- Tax difference = percentage-point or percentage difference between locations
- Crime rate = reported offenses adjusted for population
- Employment change = change in employment between comparable reporting periods
- Monthly cost = annual cost divided by 12 when only an annual figure is published
How Cities and Communities Were Evaluated
We do not evaluate cities based on a single statistic. Instead, we consider several factors that matter when choosing where to live:
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Jobs & income | 25% |
| Housing & living costs | 20% |
| Crime & safety | 20% |
| Schools & family needs | 15% |
| Healthcare | 10% |
| Transportation | 5% |
| Lifestyle & recreation | 5% |
How Local Experience Was Collected
We do not present invented firsthand experience as fact. Local context comes from official city and county governments, school districts, transportation agencies, hospitals, universities, economic-development organizations, public services, and resident-facing market data.
How Facts Were Checked
We check the latest available information before adding important statistics to a guide. For major topics such as population, employment, taxes, crime, education, transportation, weather, and public safety, we prioritize government agencies and other primary sources.
We also check repeated statistics throughout the guide so that the same metric uses the same value, year, definition, and source wherever it appears.
If two figures measure different things, such as median home value and typical home value, they are labeled separately rather than treated as the same statistic.
Data Limitations
Not every dataset updates at the same time. A 2026 article may still contain the latest official 2024 or 2025 data when that is the newest release available.
Market figures such as rent, home prices, insurance, and mover costs can also change faster than government statistics. These numbers should be treated as current benchmarks rather than guaranteed prices.
