Illinois (IL)

Known as the "Land of Lincoln," Illinois is a state of contrasts, blending bustling city life with charming small towns and scenic landscapes. From the iconic skyline of Chicago to the rolling fields of the Midwest, Illinois offers a rich history, diverse culture, and countless attractions for visitors and residents alike.

• Population: ~12.5 million
• Weather: Cold winters (15-35°F); warm summers (70-90°F).
• Famous Sites: Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Starved Rock State Park, Route 66.
• Top Activities: Sightseeing in Chicago, exploring state parks, visiting historic landmarks, enjoying deep-dish pizza, attending festivals and sports events.

Illinois has a strong job market with opportunities in healthcare, technology, finance, and manufacturing. With competitive salaries and growing demand, these careers offer stability and growth. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Illinois based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Illinois is a large, vibrant state known for its bustling cities and numerous prestigious colleges. These cities feature a blend of diverse cultures, thriving communities, and significant student populations. Below is a helpful table showcasing the ten largest cities in Illinois, their approximate population numbers, and the number of college students enrolled in each city.

Illinois is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in engineering, business, healthcare, and the liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Illinois

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) – The state’s flagship university, known for its top engineering, business, and computer science programs.
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) – A leading research university specializing in healthcare, business, and engineering.
• Illinois State University (ISU) – Offers strong education, business, and communication programs.
• Northern Illinois University (NIU) – Known for its business, engineering, and healthcare programs.
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) – A research university with strong aviation, engineering, and healthcare offerings.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Illinois

• Northwestern University – One of the nation’s top private universities, offering elite programs in journalism, business, and law.
• University of Chicago – Known for its rigorous academics and excellence in economics, law, and political science.
• DePaul University – The largest Catholic university in the U.S., offering strong business, computing, and liberal arts programs.
• Loyola University Chicago – A highly ranked Jesuit institution with strong healthcare, law, and business programs.
• Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) – A technology-focused university known for its engineering and architecture programs.

Illinois is home to several outstanding public and private high schools, known for their academic rigor, college preparation programs, and extracurricular opportunities. These schools provide students with a strong educational foundation and prepare them for future success.

Top Public High Schools in Illinois

• Payton College Preparatory High School, Chicago – Consistently ranked among the top schools in the nation, offering a demanding curriculum and strong STEM programs.
• Northside College Preparatory High School, Chicago – Known for its selective enrollment, high test scores, and emphasis on math and science education.
• Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), Aurora – A residential public high school specializing in STEM education and research opportunities.
• Jones College Prep, Chicago – Offers a rigorous academic experience with a focus on college readiness and a wide range of AP courses.
• Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire – Known for its exceptional academics, strong extracurricular activities, and a high college acceptance rate.

Top Private High Schools in Illinois

• University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Chicago – A top-tier private school offering a comprehensive college prep curriculum and outstanding faculty.
• Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest – A prestigious private boarding and day school with rigorous academics and a strong emphasis on leadership.
• Latin School of Chicago, Chicago – Provides a robust liberal arts education with small class sizes and personalized learning.
• Loyola Academy, Wilmette – A well-respected Jesuit school that emphasizes academic excellence and character development.
• North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka – A highly regarded private school with a focus on experiential learning and college preparation.

Illinois is home to several major league professional sports teams across football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer. The state has a rich sports tradition, with passionate fan bases and successful franchises.

Chicago is the sports hub of Illinois, housing teams in all major leagues:

• Chicago Bears (NFL) – One of the oldest and most storied franchises in football, known for their tough defense and historic 1985 Super Bowl win.
• Chicago Bulls (NBA) – Famous for their dominance in the 1990s, led by Michael Jordan, winning six championships.
• Chicago Cubs (MLB) – A beloved team that ended their 108-year championship drought with a World Series win in 2016.
• Chicago White Sox (MLB) – Their South Side rivals, winning the World Series in 2005.
• Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) – A hockey powerhouse with multiple Stanley Cup wins, including three in the 2010s.
• Chicago Fire FC (MLS) – The city's top soccer team, competing in Major League Soccer since 1997.
• Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) – A strong women's soccer team with a history of producing top talent.

Illinois is also home to minor league and semi-pro teams in various sports:

Baseball 🏟️

• Peoria Chiefs (High-A – St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) – A farm team that develops future major leaguers.
• Kane County Cougars (American Association) – An independent team with a loyal local fan base.
• Southern Illinois Miners (Frontier League) – A former independent league team known for community support.

Hockey 🏒

• Rockford IceHogs (AHL – Chicago Blackhawks affiliate) – A key development team for young NHL prospects.

Basketball 🏀

• Windy City Bulls (NBA G League – Chicago Bulls affiliate) – A training ground for future NBA talent.

Soccer ⚽

• Chicago House AC (MLS Next Pro) – A developing club focused on expanding professional soccer in Illinois.

With a strong mix of historic franchises and growing teams, Illinois remains a key state for sports fans across the country.

1. Land of Lincoln 🇺🇸 – Illinois is known as the "Land of Lincoln" because Abraham Lincoln lived here for much of his life before becoming the 16th president of the United States.
2. Home to the First Skyscraper 🏙️ – Chicago built the world’s first skyscraper in 1885. It was only 10 stories tall, but it paved the way for modern high-rises.
3. The Deep-Dish Pizza Capital 🍕 – The famous Chicago deep-dish pizza originated in Illinois and remains one of the most iconic dishes in the state.
4. World’s Largest T-Rex Fossil 🦖 – The most complete T-Rex fossil, known as "Sue," was discovered in South Dakota but resides at the Field Museum in Chicago.
5. Route 66 Starts Here 🛣️ – The legendary Route 66, also called the "Main Street of America," begins in Chicago and stretches all the way to California.
6. A Supernatural Hotspot 👻 – The town of Alton is often called one of the most haunted small towns in America due to its history and ghost stories.
7. Home to Twinkies and Brownies 🍰 – The Twinkie was invented in Illinois in 1930, and so were brownies, which were first made in Chicago's Palmer House Hotel.
8. Largest Bottle of Catsup (Ketchup) 🍅 – Collinsville, Illinois, is home to the world’s largest bottle of ketchup, a 170-foot-tall water tower designed like a ketchup bottle.
9. Abe Lincoln’s Ghostly Connection 👀 – The ghost of Abraham Lincoln is rumored to haunt several places, including his former home in Springfield and even the White House.
10. The Ice Cream Sundae Was Born Here 🍨 – Evanston, Illinois, was one of the first places to serve ice cream sundaes, reportedly to bypass the ban on soda in ice cream floats.