Moving to Illinois: A Relocation Guide
Thinking about moving to Illinois? Here's a practical starting point for newcomers.
Key facts
- Capital: Springfield
- Largest city: Chicago
- Population: 12,812,508 (2020 census)
- Nickname: The Prairie State
- Region: Midwest
What should you consider before moving to Illinois?
- Where to live: Major cities include Chicago and the state capital Springfield. See our Illinois state guide and city guides for details.
- Cost of living: Compare housing, utilities and taxes carefully — costs vary significantly across the state.
- Lifestyle: Illinois's midwest location shapes daily life, from climate to recreation. Explore the top things to do to get a feel for the state.
- Jobs & schools: Research local employers and school districts in your target city before committing.
City guides: Springfield, Chicago, Naperville, Peoria.
Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in Illinois?
The largest city in Illinois is Chicago, and the capital is Springfield. See the city guides for local detail.
What is the population of Illinois?
The 2020 census population of Illinois is 12,812,508 (2020 census).
What should I research before moving to Illinois?
Compare housing, utilities, taxes, jobs and school districts in your target city. The moving guide above and the Illinois state guide are a good starting point — verify current costs with local sources.
Next steps
This guide is a starting point — Red Rock Daily is building detailed, city-level relocation coverage across the country. For now, combine this overview with the Illinois state guide and local city pages.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (2020 census population figures); official state records. Cost-of-living details should be verified with current local data.