ILLINOIS
Welcome to Illinois!
With a past shaped by vision and innovation, Illinois continues to offer a future built on opportunity. The legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the power of Chicago reflect a state that values growth, strength, and connection. For families looking to invest in long-term well-being, Illinois undoubtedly always delivers.
Top CHIPs for Illinois
The best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
Your dream of planting roots in an Illinois community is within reach. The state offers wonderful Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) that help manage the initial costs, so you can focus more on planning your future and less on financial stress. Discover the support that is waiting for you.
Illinois Housing Development Authority Access Forgivable
Qualified buyers can receive $6,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, completely forgiven over 10 years. Whether you’re buying a new construction or an existing home, this program is open to buyers in all Illinois counties!
The City of Rockford Community and Economic Development Homebuyer Assistance Program
Take the stress out of buying a home in Rockford! This program, provides $14,999 in assistance as a five-year forgivable loan for those purchasing an unoccupied, detached single-family home within city limits. Stay in your home, and the loan disappears, no repayment needed!
Madison County Community Development First-TIme Homebuyer Program in Illinois
Buying your first home in Madison County, IL? This program is here to help! First-time buyers can receive $15,000 to ease the cost of down payment and closing expenses. This is your chance to secure a home with financial peace of mind!
City of Chicago Building Homes and Affordable Homes Program
This program can give you as much as $100,000 in assistance to cover an appraisal gap, to cover the down payment and closing costs, reduce the principal on a senior loan, and on year of prepaid insurance. This program offers forgivable grants for eligible buyers.
Lake County Planning, Building & Development Affordable Housing Down Payment Assistance
Eligible buyers can receive up to $13,999 for down payment, closing costs, or reducing interest rates. Live in your home for five years, and the loan is forgiven in full. Apply today and start your journey to homeownership!
Illinois Housing Development Authority Access Forgivable
Qualified buyers can receive $6,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, completely forgiven over 10 years. Whether you’re buying a new construction or an existing home, this program is open to buyers in all Illinois counties!
The City of Rockford Community and Economic Development Homebuyer Assistance Program
Take the stress out of buying a home in Rockford! This progra, provides $14,999 in assistance as a five-year forgivable loan for those purchasing an unoccupied, detached single-family home within city limits. Stay in your home, and the loan disappears, no repayment needed!
Madison County Community Development First-TIme Homebuyer Program in Illinois
Buying your first home in Madison County, IL? This program is here to help! First-time buyers can receive $15,000 to ease the cost of down payment and closing expenses. This is your chance to secure a home with financial peace of mind!
City of Chicago Building Homes and Affordable Homes Program
This program can give you as much as $100,000 in assistance to cover an appraisal gap, to cover the down payment and closing costs, reduce the principal on a senior loan, and on year of prepaid insurance. This program offers forgivable grants for eligible buyers.
Lake County Planning, Building & Development Affordable Housing Down Payment Assistance
Eligible buyers can receive up to $13,999 for down payment, closing costs, or reducing interest rates. Live in your home for five years, and the loan is forgiven in full. Apply today and start your journey to homeownership!
👥
Total Population
12,812,508
🗺️
Land area in square miles
5,513.1 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
24
📍
State Capital
Spring field
💰
Median household income
$ 80,306
💵
Median home sale price
$ 469,154
🏘️
Total Housing Units
5,071,288
👥
Total Population
12,812,508
🗺️
Land area in square miles
5,513.1 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
24
📍
State Capital
Spring field
💰
Median household income
$ 80,306
💵
Median home sale price
$ 469,154
🏘️
Total Housing Units
5,071,288
Census Data Snapshot for Illinois
Crucial statistics and data about the state of Illinois.
Every home search starts with understanding the area, and these numbers help you do just that. With a strong population base, solid income, and millions of homes across the state, Illinois offers a wide range of living options.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in the state of Illinois?
From grilling in the summer to snow days in the winter, Illinois brings seasonal living to life. These temperature and precipitation averages help you prepare for the rhythms of the year. It’s a helpful way to think about comfort, home features, and day-to-day living.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of Illinois
When choosing where to live, access to steady work is just as important as finding the right home. Illinois has a wide employment base, with over 320,000 businesses supporting everything from retail to healthcare. This overview gives you a feel for the state’s economic strength and job variety.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: Walmart
- Industry: Retail
- Employer Headcount: 54,698
Total Employer Establishments
🏢 320,795
As of June 2, 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in Illinois.
Imagine walking through the door of your very own home in Illinois. CHIPs can give you the clarity and confidence to make that vision a reality, turning financial questions into a clear path forward.
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in Illinois in terms of population?
Population size often reflects the heartbeat of a city, from its job market to its daily rhythm. These top ten cities in Illinois show where the most people are choosing to live, work, and build community. It’s a helpful starting point for narrowing down your home search.
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
Chicago
1
2,611,867
Aurora
2
175,795
Naperville
3
150,795
Joliet
4
150,647
Rockford
5
144,420
Elgin
6
112,438
Springfield
7
111,374
Peoria
8
108,870
Champaign
9
89,736
Waukegan
10
86,657
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in Illinois
Great schools are often the foundation of great communities. In Illinois, you’ll find a mix of high-performing districts and standout academic programs. This guide gives you the key information to make a confident, informed decision.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in Illinois.
Start picturing your life in Illinois. As you browse these homes for sale, imagine morning coffee in a new kitchen or evenings spent with family in a cozy living room. Your perfect home is here, waiting to be discovered.
State Fun Facts
Awesome Facts from the Prairie State!
Buckle up for some awesome and delicious facts! This state is known for its buzzing cities, silver screen moments, and treats that’ll make your sweet tooth sing.
Famous People from Illinois
Who are the well-known personalities from Illinois ?
Illinois is proudly connected to many talented comedians, musicians, and athletes. Get to know some of the famous figures who call the Prairie State home.
Agency
Website
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR)
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in Illinois.
Let these trusted government resources handle the complicated questions. With their official guidance, you can navigate the homebuying process smoothly, leaving you more time to focus on the joy of finding your new home.
Agency
Website
Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)
Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR)
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
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