Cities in Illinois

Population: 12,671,821

The map of Illinois cities offers a user-friendly way to explore all the cities and towns located in the state. To get started, simply click the clusters on the map. These clusters represent groups of cities located close to each other geographically and as the map zooms, the individual cities within the selected cluster will become more visible. As you take a depper dive, the clusters will transform to pins and allow you to click the cities of your choice.

Largest cities in Illinois by population

Illinois Overview

Statistic Value
Population 12,671,821
Population Density 228 ppl. / sq. mi.
Median Age 37
Male To Female Ratio 0.96 : 0
Married (15yrs & older) 54.52%
Families w/ Kids under 18 44.14%
Speak English 77.34%
Speak Spanish 13%

Illinois Demographics

Statistic Value
White 72%
Black 14%
American Indian 0%
Asian 5%
Hawaiian 0%
Other Race Alone 6%
Multi Racial 2%
Hispanic Or Latino 17%

Illinois Education

Statistic Value
Completed eighth Grade 86%
Completed High School 84.68%
Bachelors Degree 41%
Masters Degree 1%
Avg. School Score 33%

Illinois Employment

Statistic Value
Median Household Income $59,196
Income Per Capita $31,502
Median Earnings Male $40,474
Median Earnings Female $27,197
Unemployment Rate 5%

Illinois State Facts

What is the largest city in Illinois?

In terms of population, Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, boasting a population size of 2,714,017 residents. Following behind, Aurora is second on the list with 200,907 people, and Rockford claims the thrid-largest city title with 149,597 people.

What are the best cities to live in Illinois?

Jerome ranks as the top-rated city and has an impressive Livability Score of 93 and is considered the best place to live in Illinois. Following closely behind is Leland Grove, which has a Livability Score of 93 and is considered the 2nd best place to live in Illinois. Edwardsville, with a Livability Score of 91, is the 3rd best city on the list.

What is the most affordable city in Illinois?

Cairo, IL has a cost of living that is 42.65% less than the Illinois average and 47.06% lower than the National average, making it an economically attractive choice for residents.

What are the safest cities in Illinois (over 10,000 population)?

Campton Hills takes the top spot and is the safest place to live in Illinois with a crime rate that is 3184.99% safer than the National average. Naperville and Lake in the Hills are also very safe cities in Illinois, offering residents secure and low crime living environments

What are the states that border Illinois on the map?

Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana are bordering states to Illinois.

What is the capital city of Illinois?

The capital city of Illinois is Springfield. It has a population of 116,745 people.

What is the size of Illinois?

Illinois has a land area size of 57,914 square miles and is 4.13% water.

What is the state nickname of Illinois?

The state nickname of Illinois is "The Prairie State".

What is the population of Illinois?

The population of Illinois is 12,671,821.

What are the demographics in Illinois?

The median age in Illinois is 37.4, 54.52% of people are married, 44.14% of people have kids under the age of 18, 77.34% of people speak English and 13.23% of people speak Spanish

Cities in Illinois: America's Heartland

Illinois is a captivating state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. From the iconic skyline of Chicago to the rolling prairies and grassy farmlands that stretch across its vast expanse, cities in Illinois offer a state of contrasts and cultural significance. Its history is intertwined with the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who resided in the state during his formative years and later became an emblem of liberty and equality. As the fifth most populous state in the nation, Illinois stands as an economic powerhouse and a center for arts, education and innovation. Illinois' captivating blend of bustling cities, charming towns, and natural wonders, such as the Mississippi River and the Shawnee National Forest, make Illinois a destination that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who explore its diverse and storied landscapes.

Illinois Quick Facts

Often called the Land of Lincoln due to its association with Abraham Lincoln, Illinois is the state where he spent most of his life. Illinois became the 21st state to join the United States on December 3rd, 1818. Another official Illinois nickname is "The Prairie State" as much of Illinois was once covered in prairie grass. In the capital city of Springfield, you will find the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Chicago is the largest city by population with 2,699,347 residents and is also the largest city by land area. Illinois is the 25th largest state by land area and the 6th largest state by population with more than 12.5 million residents. The name Illinois comes from the Native American tribe that once lived on the land. The city of Chicago was home to the world's first skyscrapers. The Willis Tower (Sears Tower) was the tallest in the world, until it was overtaken by the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. Famous people born in Illinois include Harrison Ford, John Cusack, Michelle Obama, Cindy Crawford, Melissa McCarthy, Common, Eddie Vedder and John Belushi.

The Long History of Illinois

In the 17th century, French explorers, including Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, floated down the Mississippi River and claimed the territory for France. Prior to that, various Native American tribes inhabited the land including the Miami, Shawnee, Potawatomi, Kickapoo and the Illiniwek. After the French and Indian War, Illinois came under British control. During the American Revolution, George Rogers Clark led the Illinois Campaign, capturing British forts in the region and securing the area for the United States. On February 12th, 1809 Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, but would move to Illinois in 1830, where he would stay for most of his life and become one of the nation's most revered presidents. In the mid-19th century, Illinois underwent significant industrial growth and became a transportation hub. The construction of railroads and the Illinois and Michigan Canal boosted trade and economic development. Chicago, with its strategic location on Lake Michigan, emerged as a major commercial center and a critical link between the East and the West. In 1871, a devastating fire broke out in Chicago and destroyed much of the city. But, the city rebuilt and experienced rapid growth in the following decades. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Illinois continued to grow economically and culturally. The state played a significant role in the civil rights movement and witnessed political milestones, such as Barack Obama's rise to become the 44th President of the United States.

The Geography of Illinois

Located in the Midwestern United States, Illinois is bordered by Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana. It is the 25th largest state by land area, with 57,914 square miles and 4.13% water. Illinois shares a shoreline with Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. In the northeastern part, you'll find soft sandy beaches, harbors and lots of tourists enjoying recreational activities. In central Illinois, you'll find vast prairies and fertile farmland. The region is part of the Corn Belt, known for its agricultural productivity, especially in the cultivation of corn and soybeans. Flowing through central Illinois, the Illinois River is a significant waterway that joins the Mississippi River near the state's southwestern border. In the southern part of the state, the Shawnee Hills region stands as an extension of the Ozark Plateau. The area is known for its rugged terrain and rolling green hills. Most will be surprised, but southern Illinois is home to the Shawnee Wine Trail, an area dotted with vineyards and wineries, where visitors can enjoy wine tasting and beautiful countryside views.

Illinois Relocation Guide

Illinois, the most populated Midwestern state, is the 25th largest state based on area, but thanks to its largest city, Chicago, it is 5th largest based on population. A map of Illinois cities will show you that Chicago is the nation's third largest city (by land mass) and its metropolitan area consists of over 9.5 million people. Chicago is the professional and cultural center of Illinois and the headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies as well as the home to world renowned restaurants, theatres, and other entertainment options. Outside of Chicago there are many other places worth visiting and a lot of great cities to call home. Springfield, Illinois is the state's capital and anchors the center of the state. There are various large universities in the state including two Big Ten schools, the University of Illinois and Northwestern University.

Housing within the state of Illinois varies significantly. For a few hundred thousand dollars a 3,000 square foot home can be purchased in the vast rural land of Illinois. But closer to the city, the same purchase price may not get more than a small studio apartment. Illinois weather varies significantly by the month. The summers are quite warm and can be very humid, while the winters can be long with period of time when the temperature does not get above zero. Most smaller cities in Illinois are quite safe, although like all major metropolitan areas like Chicago, does have some problems with crime.

The overall crime rate in Illinois is less than the national average by about 10%. The cost of living in Illinois is also less than the national average by about 2%. This makes Illinois a very appealing place to consider if you are relocating.

All Illinois cities

AbingdonAdairAddievilleAddisonAdelineAlbanyAlbersAlbionAledoAlexisAlgonquinAlhambraAllendaleAllenvilleAllertonAlmaAlortonAlphaAlseyAlsipAltamontAlto PassAltonAltonaAlvanAmboyAnchorAndalusiaAndoverAnnaAnnapolisAnnawanAntiochApple Canyon LakeApple RiverArcolaArenzvilleArgentaArlingtonArlington HeightsArmingtonAroma ParkArrowsmithArthurAshkumAshlandAshleyAshmoreAshtonAssumptionAstoriaAthensAtkinsonAtlantaAtwoodAuburnAugustaAuroraAvaAvistonAvonBaldwinBannerBannockburnBardolphBarringtonBarrington HillsBarryBartelsoBartlettBartonvilleBascoBataviaBatchtownBathBay View GardensBaylisBeach ParkBeardstownBeasonBeavervilleBeckemeyerBedford ParkBeecherBeecher CityBelgiumBelknapBelle Prairie CityBelle RiveBellevilleBellevueBellflowerBellmontBellwoodBelvidereBementBenldBensenvilleBensonBentleyBentonBerkeleyBerlinBerwynBethaltoBethanyBig RockBiggsvilleBinghamBishop HillBismarckBlandinsvilleBloomingdaleBloomingtonBlue IslandBlue MoundBluffsBlufordBolingbrookBondvilleBone GapBonfieldBonnieBoodyBoulder HillBourbonnaisBowenBracevilleBradfordBradleyBraidwoodBreeseBridgeportBridgeviewBrightonBrimfieldBroadlandsBroadviewBroadwellBroctonBrookfieldBrooklynBrookportBroughtonBrowningBrownsBrownstownBrusselsBryantBuckinghamBuckleyBucknerBudaBuffaloBuffalo GroveBull ValleyBulpittBuncombeBunker HillBurbankBureau JunctionBurlingtonBurnhamBurnt PrairieBurr RidgeBushBushnellButlerByronCaberyCahokiaCairoCaledoniaCalhounCalumet CityCalumet ParkCamargoCambriaCambridgeCamdenCamp PointCampbell HillCampton HillsCampusCandlewick LakeCantonCantrallCapronCarbon CliffCarbon HillCarbondaleCarlinvilleCarlockCarlyleCarmiCarol StreamCarpentersvilleCarrier MillsCarrolltonCartervilleCarthageCaryCaseyCaseyvilleCatlinCave-In-RockCedar PointCedarvilleCentral CityCentraliaCentrevilleCerro GordoChadwickChampaignChandlervilleChannahonChannel LakeChapinCharlestonChathamChatsworthChebanseChemungChenoaCherryCherry ValleyChesterChesterfieldChestnutChicagoChicago HeightsChicago RidgeChillicotheChrismanChristopherCiceroCiscoCisneCissna ParkClaremontClarendon HillsClay CityClaytonClear LakeClevelandCliftonClintonCoal CityCoal ValleyCoaltonCoatsburgCobdenCoffeenColchesterColetaColfaxCollinsvilleColonaColpColumbiaColumbusComoComptonConcordCongervilleCooksvilleCordovaCornellCornlandCortlandCoultervilleCountry Club HillsCountrysideCowdenCoyne CenterCrab OrchardCrainvilleCreal SpringsCrescent CityCrest HillCrestonCrestwoodCreteCreve CoeurCrossvilleCrystal LakeCrystal LawnsCubaCullomCurranCutlerCypressDahlgrenDakotaDallas CityDalton CityDalzellDamiansvilleDanaDanforthDanversDanvilleDarienDarmstadtDavisDavis JunctionDawsonDaytonDe LandDe PueDe SotoDe WittDecaturDeer CreekDeer GroveDeer ParkDeerfieldDeKalbDelavanDes PlainesDetroitDiamondDieterichDivernonDixDixmoorDixonDoltonDongolaDonnellsonDonovanDorchesterDoverDowellDowners GroveDownsDu BoisDu QuoinDunfermlineDunlapDupoDurandDwightEagarvilleEarlvilleEast AltonEast BrooklynEast Cape GirardeauEast CarondeletEast DubuqueEast DundeeEast GalesburgEast GillespieEast Hazel CrestEast MolineEast PeoriaEast St. LouisEastonEddyvilleEdgewoodEdinburgEdwardsvilleEffinghamEl DaraEl PasoElburnEldoradoEldredElginElizabethElizabethtownElk Grove VillageElkhartElkvilleElliottEllis GroveEllisvilleEllsworthElmhurstElmwoodElmwood ParkElsahElvastonElwoodEmdenEmingtonEnergyEnfieldEqualityErieEssexEurekaEvanstonEvansvilleEvergreen ParkEwingExeterFairburyFairfieldFairmontFairmont CityFairmountFairviewFairview HeightsFarinaFarmer CityFarmersvilleFarmingtonFayettevilleFerrisFidelityFieldonFillmoreFindlayFisherFithianFlanaganFlat RockFloraFloravilleFlorenceFlossmoorFooslandFord HeightsForest CityForest LakeForest ParkForest ViewForrestForrestonForsythFox LakeFox Lake HillsFox River GroveFrankfortFrankfort SquareFranklinFranklin GroveFranklin ParkFreeburgFreeman SpurFreeportFultonFultsGages LakeGalatiaGalenaGalesburgGalvaGarden PrairieGardnerGarrettGaysGeneseoGenevaGenoaGeorgetownGeorgetown CDPGerman ValleyGermantownGermantown HillsGibson CityGiffordGilbertsGillespieGilmanGilsonGirardGladstoneGlasfordGlasgowGlen CarbonGlen EllynGlencoeGlendale HeightsGlenviewGlenwoodGodfreyGodleyGolcondaGoldenGolden GateGolfGood HopeGoodfieldGoofy RidgeGorevilleGorhamGraftonGrand DetourGrand RidgeGrand TowerGrandviewGrandwood ParkGranite CityGrant ParkGrantforkGranvilleGrayslakeGrayvilleGreen OaksGreen ValleyGreenfieldGreenupGreenviewGreenvilleGreenwoodGridleyGriggsvilleGulf PortGurneeHainesvilleHamburgHamelHamiltonHammondHampshireHamptonHanafordHanna CityHanoverHanover ParkHardinHarmonHarrisburgHarrisonHarristownHartfordHartsburgHarvardHarvelHarveyHarwood HeightsHavanaHawthorn WoodsHazel CrestHebronHeckerHendersonHennepinHenningHenryHeritage LakeHerrickHerrinHerscherHettickHeyworthHickory HillsHidalgoHighlandHighland ParkHighwoodHillcrestHillsboroHillsdaleHillsideHillviewHinckleyHindsboroHinsdaleHodgkinsHoffmanHoffman EstatesHoliday HillsHoliday ShoresHollowayvilleHomerHomer GlenHometownHomewoodHoopestonHooppoleHopedaleHopewellHopkins ParkHoyletonHudsonHueyHullHumboldtHumeHuntleyHurstHutsonvilleIlliopolisInaIndian CreekIndian Head ParkIndianolaIndustryIngalls ParkInvernessIolaIpavaIroquoisIrvingIrvingtonIrwinIsland LakeItascaIukaIvesdaleJacksonvilleJeffersonvilleJeisyvilleJeromeJerseyvilleJewettJohnsburgJohnsonvilleJohnston CityJolietJonesboroJoppaJoyJunctionJunction CityJusticeKampsvilleKaneKanevilleKangleyKankakeeKansasKappaKarnakKaskaskiaKeenesKeensburgKeithsburgKellKemptonKenilworthKenneyKewaneeKeyesportKilbourneKildeerKincaidKinderhookKingstonKingston MinesKinmundyKinsmanKirklandKirkwoodKnollwoodKnoxvilleLa FayetteLa GrangeLa Grange ParkLa HarpeLa MoilleLa PrairieLa RoseLaconLaddLake BarringtonLake BluffLake CamelotLake CatherineLake ForestLake HolidayLake in the HillsLake Ka-HoLake of the WoodsLake PetersburgLake SummersetLake VillaLake ZurichLakemoorLakewoodLakewood ShoresLanarkLangleyvilleLansingLaPlaceLaSalleLathamLawrencevilleLe RoyLeaf RiverLebanonLeeLelandLeland GroveLemontLenaLenzburgLeonoreLernaLewistownLexingtonLibertyLibertyvilleLily LakeLimaLimestoneLincolnLincolnshireLincolnwoodLindenhurstLisbonLisleLitchfieldLittle YorkLittletonLiverpoolLivingstonLoamiLockportLodaLomaxLombardLondon MillsLong CreekLong GroveLong LakeLong PointLongviewLoraineLost NationLostantLouisvilleLoves ParkLovingtonLudlowLyndonLynnvilleLynwoodLyonsMacedoniaMachesney ParkMackinawMacombMaconMadisonMaeystownMagnoliaMahometMakandaMaldenMaltaManchesterManhattanManitoManliusMansfieldMantenoMaple ParkMapletonMaquonMarengoMariettaMarineMarionMarissaMarkMarkhamMaroaMarquette HeightsMarseillesMarshallMartinsvilleMartintonMaryvilleMascoutahMasonMason CityMathervilleMattesonMattoonMaunieMaywoodMazonMcClureMcCookMcCullom LakeMcHenryMcLeanMcLeansboroMcNabbMechanicsburgMediaMedoraMelrose ParkMelvinMendonMendotaMenomineeMeredosiaMerrionette ParkMetamoraMetcalfMetropolisMettawaMiddletownMidlothianMilanMilfordMill CreekMill ShoalsMillbrookMilledgevilleMillingtonMillstadtMiltonMineralMinierMinonkMinookaMitchellModestoMokenaMolineMomenceMoneeMonmouthMonroe CenterMontgomeryMonticelloMontroseMorrisMorrisonMorrisonvilleMortonMorton GroveMound CityMound StationMoundsMount AuburnMount CarmelMount CarrollMount ClareMount ErieMount MorrisMount OliveMount ProspectMount PulaskiMount SterlingMount VernonMount ZionMoweaquaMuddyMulberry GroveMulkeytownMuncieMundeleinMurphysboroMurrayvilleNapervilleNaplateNaplesNashvilleNasonNauvooNeboNelsonNeogaNeponsetNew AthensNew BadenNew BedfordNew BerlinNew BostonNew BurnsideNew CantonNew DouglasNew Grand ChainNew HavenNew HollandNew LenoxNew MilfordNew MindenNew SalemNewarkNewmanNewtonNianticNilesNilwoodNobleNokomisNoraNormalNorridgeNorrisNorris CityNorth AuroraNorth BarringtonNorth ChicagoNorth CityNorth HendersonNorth PekinNorth RiversideNorth UticaNorthbrookNorthfieldNorthlakeNorwoodO'FallonOak BrookOak ForestOak GroveOak LawnOak ParkOak RunOakbrook TerraceOakdaleOakfordOaklandOakwoodOakwood HillsOblongOconeeOdellOdinOgdenOglesbyOhioOhlmanOkawvilleOld Mill CreekOld RipleyOld ShawneetownOlive BranchOlivetOlmstedOlneyOlympia FieldsOmahaOnargaOneidaOpdykeOquawkaOrangevilleOreanaOregonOrientOrionOrland HillsOrland ParkOswegoOttawaOttervilleOwanecoPaderbornPalatinePalestinePalmerPalmyraPalos HeightsPalos HillsPalos ParkPanaPanamaPanolaPapineauParisPark CityPark ForestPark RidgeParkersburgPatokaPaw PawPawneePaxtonPaysonPearlPearl CityPecatonicaPekinPenfieldPeoriaPeoria HeightsPeotonePercyPerryPeruPesotumPetersburgPhillipstownPhiloPhoenixPierronPinckneyvillePingree GrovePiper CityPistakee HighlandsPittsburgPittsfieldPlainfieldPlainvillePlanoPlattvillePleasant HillPleasant PlainsPlymouthPocahontasPoloPontiacPontoon BeachPontoosucPoplar GrovePort BarringtonPort ByronPosenPotomacPrairie CityPrairie du RocherPrairie GrovePrestburyPreston HeightsPrincetonPrincevilleProphetstownProspect HeightsPulaskiQuincyRadomRaleighRamseyRankinRansomRantoulRapids CityRaritanRaymondRed BudReddickRedmonRentchlerReynoldsRichmondRichton ParkRichviewRidge FarmRidgwayRidottRingwoodRioRipleyRiver ForestRiver GroveRiverdaleRiversideRivertonRiverwoodsRoanokeRobbinsRobertsRobinsonRochelleRochesterRock CityRock FallsRock IslandRock Island ArsenalRockbridgeRockdaleRockfordRocktonRockwoodRolling MeadowsRomeRomeovilleRoodhouseRoscoeRose HillRoselleRosemontRosevilleRosewood HeightsRosiclareRossvilleRound LakeRound Lake BeachRound Lake HeightsRound Lake ParkRoxanaRoyalRoyal LakesRoyaltonRumaRushvilleRussellvilleRutlandSadorusSailor SpringsSalemSammons PointSan JoseSandovalSandwichSaugetSauk VillageSauneminSavannaSavoySawyervilleSaybrookScales MoundSchaumburgSchiller ParkSchram CitySciotaScott AFBScottvilleSeatonSeatonvilleSecorSenecaSesserSeymourShabbonaShannonShawneetownSheffieldShelbyvilleSheldonSheridanShermanSherrardShilohShipmanShorewoodShumwaySibleySidellSidneySigelSilvisSimpsonSimsSkokieSleepy HollowSmithboroSmithfieldSmithtonSomonaukSorentoSouth BarringtonSouth BeloitSouth Chicago HeightsSouth ElginSouth HollandSouth JacksonvilleSouth PekinSouth RoxanaSouth WilmingtonSouthern ViewSparlandSpartaSpauldingSpillertownSpring BaySpring GroveSpring ValleySpringertonSpringfieldSt. AnneSt. AugustineSt. CharlesSt. DavidSt. ElmoSt. FrancisvilleSt. JacobSt. JohnsSt. JosephSt. LiborySt. PeterStandardStandard CityStanfordStauntonSte. MarieSteelevilleStegerSterlingStewardStewardsonStickneyStillman ValleyStocktonStone ParkStonefortStoningtonStoyStrasburgStrawnStreamwoodStreatorStronghurstSubletteSugar GroveSullivanSummerfieldSummitSumnerSun River TerraceSwanseaSycamoreSymertonTable GroveTallulaTamaroaTammsTampicoTaylor SpringsTaylorvilleTennesseeTeutopolisThawvilleThayerThe Galena TerritoryThebesThird LakeThomasboroThompsonvilleThomsonThorntonTildenTiltonTimberlaneTimeTinley ParkTiskilwaToledoTolonoTolucaTonicaTopekaToulonToveyTowandaTower HillTower LakesTremontTrentonTrout ValleyTroyTroy GroveTuscolaTwin GroveUllinUnionUnion HillUniversity ParkUrbanaUrsaValierValley CityValmeyerVandaliaVarnaVenedyVenetian VillageVeniceVergennesVermilionVermontVernonVernon HillsVeronaVersaillesVictoriaViennaVilla GroveVilla ParkViolaVirdenVirgilVirginiaVoloWadsworthWaggonerWalnutWalnut HillWalshvilleWaltonvilleWamacWapellaWarrenWarrensburgWarrenvilleWarsawWashburnWashingtonWashington ParkWatagaWaterlooWatermanWatsekaWatsonWaucondaWaukeganWaverlyWayneWayne CityWaynesvilleWeldonWellingtonWenonaWenonahWest BrooklynWest ChicagoWest CityWest DundeeWest FrankfortWest PeoriaWest PointWest SalemWest UnionWest YorkWestchesterWestern SpringsWesterveltWestfieldWestmontWestvilleWheatonWheelerWheelingWhite CityWhite HallWhite HeathWhiteashWilliamsfieldWilliamsonWilliamsvilleWillisvilleWillow HillWillow SpringsWillowbrookWillowbrook CDPWilmetteWilmingtonWilmington villageWilsonvilleWinchesterWindsorWindsor villageWinfieldWinnebagoWinnetkaWinslowWinthrop HarborWittWonder LakeWood DaleWood RiverWoodhullWoodlandWoodlawnWoodridgeWoodsonWoodstockWordenWorthWyanetWyomingXeniaYaleYates CityYorkvilleZeiglerZion