Illinois Living Report — July 21, 2026

For anyone considering a move to the Midwest, Illinois presents a compelling mix of urban energy and pastoral calm—but it’s a state with distinct trade-offs. Home to 12,757,634 residents, it is the sixth-most populous state in the nation, yet its character varies dramatically from the dense streets of Chicago to the sprawling farmland of central and southern Illinois. The state’s median age of 38.7 is nearly a perfect match for the national average, suggesting a balanced demographic of young professionals, growing families, and retirees. And while Finklick tracks only one city in Illinois, the statewide metrics

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 21, 2026.

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