Illinois
Illinois is bordered by Wisconsin in the north; Lake Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky in the east; Kentucky and Missouri in the south; and Missouri and Iowa in the west. With a population of 12,671,821 (January 2020), Illinois is the sixth largest population, and the 25th largest land area of all U.S. states. The capital of Illinois is Springfield, but the biggest city is Chicago. Its governor is J. B. Pritzker, an American businessman, co-founder of the Pritzker Group, and a member of the Pritzker family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain.
The first Europeans to reach the area were French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, who arrived in 1673. In 1717 Illinois became part of the Louisiana territory, a French colony, but in 1763 the French ceded the region to Britain. After the American Revolution, Illinois became a U.S. territory, and in 1818 it was declared the 21st state.
Because of its geographic position and its long north-south axis, Illinois has wide regional variations in temperature. Across the state, seasonal temperature variation also tends to be great, with typically cold, snowy winters and hot summers. Much of Illinois was once covered in prairie grass, earning the state its nickname. The diversified nature of its economy, strength in manufacturing, agriculture, finance, mining, transportation, government, technology, and services (including tourism) makes Illinois a microcosm of the national economy.
The state’s official snack food is popcorn, which can be served Chicago-style: with a mixture of cheese-covered and caramel-covered popcorn.
Illinois’ slogan is "the Land of Lincoln" because Abraham Lincoln lived there for 31 years. Today, visitors can see Lincoln’s home and his tomb in Springfield.
Illinois Statistics
Number of cities/towns/villages | 1299 |
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Number of counties | 102 |
Population | 12569541 |
Area | 149995 km² |
Density | 84 people/km² |
Altitude | 376 m |
Major cities | Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford |
Ethnicity | White: 60% Black: 14% Hispanic: 17% Asian: 6% |
Crime rate | 1880 |
GDP | $945 billion |
Median household income | $73215 |
Common questions about Illinois
What is the cheapest place to live in Illinois?Cairo is often considered the cheapest area or most affordable place to live in Illinois (IL). The cost of living in this region is significantly lower than most other parts of the state, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing and living expenses. |
What is the safest city, town or area in Illinois?Naperville is frequently ranked as one of the safest cities in Illinois. With low crime rates and a high quality of life, it offers residents a secure and welcoming environment. The city invests in community policing and effective public safety strategies, contributing to its reputation for safety. |
What is the city with the best weather in Illinois?Peoria is known for having some of the best weather in Illinois. It experiences milder winters compared to northern parts of the state and enjoys pleasant spring and fall seasons. While summers can be warm, overall, the climate is relatively moderate, offering a balanced mix of seasonal changes. |
If you want information about your city in Illinois, click on the Illinois city names or Illinois town names below:
Get the contact information for all cities in this state. Find general information, official websites, email, phone numbers, addresses, and much more.
Complete List of Cities in Illinois
ELMHURST
Elmhurst is a City in DuPage county with inhabitants.
ELMWOOD PARK
Elmwood Park is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
ELWOOD
Elwood is a Village in Will county with inhabitants.
EVANSTON
Evanston is a City in Cook county with inhabitants.
EVERGREEN PARK
Evergreen Park is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
FLOSSMOOR
Flossmoor is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
FORD HEIGHTS
Ford Heights is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
FOREST PARK
Forest Park is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
FOREST VIEW
Forest View is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
FOX LAKE
Fox Lake is a Village in Lake county with inhabitants.
FOX RIVER GROVE
Fox River Grove is a Village in McHenry county with inhabitants.
FRANKFORT
Frankfort is a Village in Will county with inhabitants.
FRANKLIN PARK
Franklin Park is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
GENEVA
Geneva is a City in Kane county with inhabitants.
GILBERTS
Gilberts is a Village in Kane county with inhabitants.
GLEN ELLYN
Glen Ellyn is a Village in DuPage county with inhabitants.
GLENCOE
Glencoe is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
GLENDALE HEIGHTS
Glendale Heights is a Village in DuPage county with inhabitants.
GLENVIEW
Glenview is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
GLENWOOD
Glenwood is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
GODLEY
Godley is a Village in Will county with inhabitants.
GOLF
Golf is a Village in Cook county with inhabitants.
GRAYSLAKE
Grayslake is a Village in Lake county with inhabitants.
GREEN OAKS
Green Oaks is a Village in Lake county with inhabitants.
GREENWOOD
Greenwood is a Village in McHenry county with inhabitants.
GURNEE
Gurnee is a Village in Lake county with inhabitants.
HAINESVILLE
Hainesville is a Village in Lake county with inhabitants.
HAMPSHIRE
Hampshire is a Village in Kane county with inhabitants.
HANOVER PARK
Hanover Park is a Village in DuPage county with inhabitants.
HARVARD
Harvard is a City in McHenry county with inhabitants.