Illinois
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Demographics of Illinois
Quality of Life in Illinois
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.
Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.
Cost of Living
1% below national average
114%
The Real Cost of Living in Illinois for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $20k | $37k |
| Comfortable | $49k | $72k |
| Luxury | $148k+ | $229k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $187k+ | $289k+ |
Economics in Illinois
A high-performing local economy. Incomes, home values, and employment meaningfully outpace national averages.
Crime in Illinois
WARNING: The crime statistics are unreliable for this jurisdiction. Local authorities have either not reported or under reported their data to the FBI. This could be due to bad intentions, incompetence or technical issues. Regardless, we suggest skepticism.
Higher crime rates than 63% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Political Climate in Illinois
Personal Sovereignty in Illinois
What does Personal Sovereignty tell us?
Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.
Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.
Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.
State Policy
Energy independence: Importer (45% of energy produced in-state)
Personal Liberty
Homesteading
Strategic Assessment of Illinois
What does the Strategic Assessment tell us?
Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.
Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.
Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.
Best Places to Live in Illinois
Cities in Illinois
Largest Cities in Illinois
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-18T22:23:28.000Z