Illinois placed 38th nationally for social mobility. Its rank was pulled down by economic problems and corruption in its legal system.

Illinois’ unemployment continued a long-term trend of remaining higher than the national rate as 2025 ends with lost jobs as the nation gained.

The Chicago area climbed up two spots as a technology hub, surpassing Silicon Valley. Government can foster that growth.

Illinois saw strong economic growth in the third quarter of 2025, largely tracking national trends.


The information sector remains a bright spot in an otherwise challenging Illinois job market, but unemployment has pulled even with the national rate.

More people still moved out of Illinois than moved in during 2025, but the gap was smaller than it’s been for the past 16 years, according to Atlas Van Lines.