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Moving to Illinois in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Illinois.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Illinois.

Are You Thinking Of Moving To Illinois?

Illinois is a state with a rich culture and diverse history. The state is home to several attractions. If you are planning to move to Illinois then you must learn everything about it. The state has a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. It is known as the Land of Lincoln. The job market of Illinois is complex and dynamic with distinct industries like manufacturing, trade, education, and more. Before moving to Illinois, you must know that the state has some barriers and challenges that can affect your job search. You should know about the best places to live in, schools and more before moving there. To make your relocation simple we have prepared a moving guide that will help you collect more and more information about the state.

Illinois Demographics

The demographics of Illinois are diverse and multicultural. In this section, we have compiled data and details related to the demographics of Illinois-

Illinois Male vs Female Population 2022

Sex	Population
Male	6,166,601
Female	6,222,248
Total	12,388,849

In 2022, the estimated population of Illinois was 12,388,849. There were 49.9% males and 50.1% females.

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Illinois 2022

Ethnicity	Population	Percentage
White	7,587,191	61.3%
Hispanic or Latino	2,041,960	16.5%
Black or African American	1,645,499	13.3%
Asian	674,242	5.5%
American Indian or Alaska Native	27,193	0.2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	4,931	0.0%
Two or More Races	388,833	3.1%

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Illinois 2022

Age Group	Male	Female
Under 5	277,046	267,551
5-9	307,187	295,904
10-14	335,513	323,862
15-19	339,441	329,917
20-24	403,891	394,368
25-29	392,395	384,554
30-34	353,742	347,904
35-39	333,427	327,294
40-44	308,919	303,644
45-49	288,840	284,464
50-54	271,444	267,827
55-59	254,130	250,639
60-64	237,109	234,184
65-69	216,102	213,322
70-74	185,254	182,985
75-79	152,622	150,739
80-84	117,031	116,139
85+	100,503	110,233

Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Illinois 2022

Ethnicity	Population	Percentage
White	7,587,191	61.3%
Hispanic or Latino	2,041,960	16.5%
Black or African American	1,645,499	13.3%
Asian	674,242	5.5%
American Indian or Alaska Native	27,193	0.2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	4,931	0.0%
Two or More Races	388,833	3.1%

Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates

Quick Facts of Illinois

Check out some unique facts and features about Illinois

Illinois is a state located in the central US and Chicago is its largest and most famous city.

Illinois is the sixth most populous state in the USA.

The capital of Illinois is Springfield.

Illinois is home to the Sears Tower which is the tallest building in the US.

Illinois was the first state where McDonald’s restaurant was opened.

It is the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery to the US Constitution.

The state is home to the world’s largest library- the Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago.

Illinois is the only state in the country that produces more nuclear energy than the other states.

The state is the major producer of corn, wheat and soybean.

Top reasons to move to Illinois

People move to new states to find better jobs, better living and quality education. In this section of our guide, we will explore the reasons that encourage you to move to Illinois-

Cost of living- The cost of living in Illinois is comparatively lower than the other metro areas in the US. You can find affordable housing options in the state.

Job Market- Illinois is a major economic hub and it has various industries and businesses. The major industries in the state are manufacturing, finance, technology and more. The state is home to several Fortune 500 companies.

Diversity- The state has a diverse culture as people from all over the world live here. You can enjoy culture, festivals, and arts from different backgrounds in one place.

Education- Illinois is home to the best universities including the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and more.

Attractions- The state has some beautiful landscapes, parks, forests, rivers and more. There are various museums and theatres in the state.

Source

U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. News & World Report

Pros & Cons of Living in Illinois

Each city or state offers some benefits to the residents and also has some limitations. When you decide to a new state, it is always better to learn all the positives and negatives about the state-

Pros of Living in Illinois	Cons of Living in Illinois
The cost of living is below the national average, thus highly affordable	Illinois has the highest income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes
A strong economy with diverse industries & businesses	Crime rates are higher than the national average
Best universities and strong public school system	Winters can be extremely cold and snowy
Home to large immigrant population with people from all backgrounds	Traffic congestion is a major problem
State has various attractions, professional sports teams and amenities	There are some infrastructural issues in Illinois like potholes and aging bridges.

Best Places to Live in Illinois

Before moving to Illinois, it is suggested to learn about the best places in the state to live. For your reference, we have collected and compiled data for the best places to live in Illinois which is based on population, unemployment rate and median home value.

Place	Population	Unemployment Rate	Median Home Value
Buffalo Grove	41,819	3.3%	$324,600
Schaumburg	77,678	3.5%	$315,400
Naperville	148,227	3.6%	$382,300
Wheaton	55,588	3.7%	$412,400
Arlington Heights	74,080	3.8%	$365,200
Downers Grove	50,220	3.9%	$437,900
Geneva	33,727	4.0%	$425,800
Batavia	26,922	4.1%	$335,900
St. Charles	33,311	4.2%	$408,300
Warrenville	14,006	4.3%	$459,900

Source:

Population: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates

Unemployment rate: Illinois Department of Employment Security, October 2023

Median home value: Zillow, November 2023

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Illinois getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Illinois

Finding a perfect home in a new state can be challenging. So, this part of our state guide will help you find the best neighborhoods in Illinois-

Lincoln Park, Chicago- This neighborhood is vibrant and diverse with a mix of commercial, residential and recreational options. The area is known for its nightlife and dining options. The neighborhood is home to DePaul University and Lincoln Park Zoo.

Evanston, Chicago- This neighborhood is a suburb of Chicago with a mix of recreational, residential and commercial areas. You can explore several museums, parks and theaters here. This neighborhood has a strong public school system.

Lakeview, Chicago- This is a trendy and upscale neighborhood which offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. This neighborhood has a vibrant culture and nightlife. The neighborhood is home to several attractions including the Belmont-Wrigleyville neighborhood, and more.

Gold Coast- This is an exclusive neighborhood with luxurious shopping stores, dining places, and more. You can find high-rise buildings in this neighborhood and easily get a sight of celebrities.

Schaumburg- This is a business-friendly suburb of Chicago and there are various corporate headquarters and office buildings in the area. This neighborhood has a lower criminal rate and a quality public school system.

Cost of living in Illinois

The cost of living in Illinois is lower than the national average. The cost-of-living index is 92.9 compared to a national average of 100. The goods and services in Illinois are 7% less expensive than the national average. If you know the cost of living then you can set your moving budget easily.

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research: https://www.c2er.org/cost-of-living-index/

Cost of Living by Categories in Illinois vs USA 2022

Category	Illinois	United States
Housing	88.6	100.0
Utilities	92.2	100.0
Food and groceries	96.6	100.0
Transportation	95.6	100.0
Healthcare	99.2	100.0
Goods and services	97.0	100.0

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research, 2023 Cost of Living Index

Median House Price in Illinois vs USA 2022

Location	Median House Price
Illinois	$310,900
United States	$428,700

Source: National Association of Realtors, 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Median Rent Price in Illinois vs USA 2022

Location	Median Rent Price
Illinois	$1,371
United States	$1,877

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Market Rent 2023

Housing Market in Illinois

The housing market in Illinois is strong with high demand and low inventory. Different factors can affect the housing market in Illinois like low inventory, investor activity, high demand and more.

Source: Illinois Association of Realtors

Average Rental Cost in Illinois

According to Zillow, the average rental cost in Illinois is $1,750 which is $50 higher than the previous year. The most expensive city in terms of rental price in Illinois is Chicago. The rental cost can vary depending on various factors like the size of the property, location and quality.

Source: Zillow

Median Home Value in Illinois

According to the Illinois Association of Realtors, the median home price in Illinois went up to $270,000 in September 2023 which was 6.2% higher than the previous year. The median value of a home can depend on the size and location of the property.

Source: Illinois Association of Realtors

Illinois job market

The job market in Illinois is strong with diverse industries offering employment, The current unemployment rate is lower than the national average and wages are rising. If you are planning to move to Illinois for a better career and stable future, then you must know about the job market.

In this section of the guide, we have explained different statistics related to the economy and job market in Illinois.

Number of Households by Income Level in Illinois

Income Level	Number of Households	Percentage
Under $25,000	456,000	9.3%
$25,000-$49,999	678,000	13.8%
$50,000-$74,999	890,000	18.0%
$75,000-$99,999	765,000	15.5%
$100,000-$149,999	721,000	14.7%
$150,000-$199,999	382,000	7.7%
$200,000-$299,999	275,000	5.6%
$300,000 or more	251,000	5.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates

Median Income in Illinois vs USA

Location	Median Income
Illinois	$72,563
United States	$79,996

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2021 1-Year Estimates

Unemployment Rate in Illinois vs USA

Location	Unemployment Rate
Illinois	4.7%
United States	3.7%

Major industries in Illinois

Illinois's job market is diverse as different industries are flourishing in the state. Here we have listed major industries offering employment opportunities in the state-

Manufacturing

Education

Health services

Healthcare and social assistance

Transportation & trade

Utilities

Professional services

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Top Career Options in Illinois

When you decide to move to Illinois, the next step is to learn about the best career options available in the state. You can consider those options for your higher employment or for starting your career. In this section, you can check the list of high-paying jobs with their average and entry-level income.

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry Level Salary	# of People
Software Engineer	$120,000	$80,000	154,300
Registered Nurse	$85,000	$60,000	122,000
Accountant	$75,000	$50,000	100,000
Marketing Manager	$70,000	$50,000	90,000
Sales Representative	$65,000	$40,000	80,000
Teacher	$60,000	$40,000	70,000
Truck Driver	$55,000	$40,000	60,000
Police Officer	$50,000	$35,000	50,000
Customer Service Representative	$45,000	$30,000	40,000
Warehouse Worker	$40,000	$25,000	30,000
Cashier	$35,000	$20,000	20,000

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2023

Biggest companies in Illinois by city and number of employees

Illinois is home to several companies including State Farm, Abbott, GE Healthcare, Boeing, Allstate, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and more. These are the top employers in Illinois. In this section we have listed the top companies in the state in different cities-

City	Company	Employees
Chicago	Accenture	157,800
Chicago	Walgreens Boots Alliance	150,000
Chicago	United Airlines Holdings	130,000
Chicago	Boeing	120,000
Naperville	AbbVie	70,000
Northbrook	Allstate	45,000
Deerfield	Mondelez International	40,000
Schaumburg	Motorola Solutions	35,000
Palatine	Discover Financial Services	30,000
Vernon Hills	Baxter International	28,000
Highland Park	UL	27,000

Source: Zippia, The 100 Largest Companies In Illinois For 2023

Best things to do in Illinois

Living in a state where you can explore new places can help you with the relocation. You will not feel homesick if you have something to do in your new city or town. Here we have listed a few things that you can do-

Visit Millenium Park and Cloud Gate located in downtown Chicago.

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago which is one of the leading art museums with a collection of 3 million artworks and sculptures.

Go for a walk along The Chicago Riverwalk which is a 1.25-mile pedestrian path that runs along the Chicago River.

Catch a baseball game at Wrigley Field.

Explore natural history at Field Museum which has a collection of 24 million specimens.

Explore the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Visit The Morton Arboretum which is a botanical garden with more than 4,200 trees and plants.

Explore the buildings, shops, restaurants and more from the 19th century in The Galena Territory.

Source: Illinois Department of Tourism

Education System in Illinois

Giving quality education to your child is everyone’s dream and responsibility. Before moving to Illinois, you can explore the best elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities. This will help you in getting the admission process started on time and save your child’s school year.

Elementary Schools in Illinois
Skinner North Elementary School, Chicago
Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center, Chicago
Decatur Classical Elementary School, Decatur
Edison Elementary Regional Gifted Center, Chicago
Meadow Glens Elementary School, Naperville

Middle Schools in Illinois
Hinsdale Middle School, Hinsdale
Glenbrook South Middle School, Glenview
New Trier Middle School, Winnetka
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Middle Schools, Naperville
Lincoln Middle School, Winnetka

High Schools in Illinois
New Trier High School, Winnetka
Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire
Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook
Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdale
Lake Forest High School, Lake Forest

Colleges and Universities in Illinois
University of Chicago, Chicago
Northwestern University, Evanston
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana
DePaul University, Chicago
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago

Source- U.S. News & World Report's Best Schools

TYPES OF INSURANCE REQUIRED IN Illinois

Each state has different policies regarding the insurance. This varies from state to state and when you move to Arizona you have to buy these insurance policies as per state regulations-

Auto Insurance- All the drivers in Illinois must have auto insurance by law. The insurance policy you buy must have minimum coverage requirements as follows-

$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person

$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident

$20,000 for property damage liability per accident

Worker’s Compensation- In Illinois, all employers must have worker’s compensation for their employees. This type of insurance provides benefits to the employees if they get injured or ill while they are on the job.

Some other types of insurance are not required by law but you can buy them for your good-

Life Insurance- It provides financial support to your family after your death.

Health Insurance- This type of insurance supports you by paying your medical expenses.

Homeowners Insurance- This type of insurance protects your home and household belongings from any damage or loss due to several factors as mentioned in the policy document.

Renters Insurance- This type of insurance protects your personal belongings in the rental house from any damage or loss.

Disability Insurance- This insurance will provide financial support to you if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.

Tips for choosing the right insurance plan-

Get multiple quotes from different insurance providers and compare them before buying.

Read the policy document carefully before signing anything.

Update your coverage regularly as per your requirements

Source

Illinois Department of Insurance, Auto Insurance Requirements

Illinois Department of Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance

Taxes in Illinois

Income Taxes- In Illinois, the income tax has a progressive structure where a higher income means higher rates. Check the rates of Income Tax in 2023-

If your income is up to $10,950 then the rate is 4.95%

If your income is between 10,951 and $12,950 then the rate is 4.95% plus 2.5% of the excess over $10,950

If your income is between $12,951 and $25,950 then the rate is 7.45% plus 2.5% of the excess over $12,950

If your income is between $25,951 and $39,950 then the rate is 4.95% plus 3.75% of the excess over $25,950

If your income is over $39,950 then the rate is 4.95% plus 4.95% of the excess over $39,950

Sales Taxes- The general sales tax rate in Illinois is 6.25%. Some additional sales taxes are levied by the local government. These additional taxes can increase the sales tax rate to 10.25%.

Property Taxes- The local government in Illinois accesses and collects the property taxes and the average property tax rate in Illinois is 2.36%. The property tax rates can vary from county to county.

Estate & Gift Taxes- Illinois has an estate tax and gift tax with a threshold of $4 million. The tax ranges between 4%-16% which depends on the size of the estate. The tax range for gift tax is between 4%-16% which depends on the size of the gift.

Tax credits & deductions- There are some tax credits and deductions for the residents of Illinois. Popular tax credits include the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, and the dependent care tax credit. Some tax deductions are the mortgage interest deduction, the state and local tax deduction, and the charitable deduction.

Source

Illinois Department of Revenue, Income Tax Information

Illinois Department of Revenue, Sales Tax Information

Illinois Department of Revenue, Property Tax Information

Illinois Department of Revenue, Estate and Gift Tax Information

Illinois Department of Revenue, Tax Credits and Deductions

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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Moving to Illinois in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

Are You Thinking Of Moving To Illinois?