Illinois State Facts & Information

Following a review of 2020 U.S. Census Data, the Census Bureau announced that Illinois was undercounted by nearly 2%. This means Illinois' population grew by nearly 250,000 people and is now above 13 million for the first time in Illinois history. Illinois' GDP per capita in 2024 was $70,443, ranking 12th highest among all states.

Governor JB Pritzker is Illinois' 43rd Governor, elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022 with the highest vote share for any Democratic governor in more than 60 years. His administration has balanced the state budget every year, eliminated the multi-billion-dollar bill backlog, improved pension funding, and achieved nine credit rating upgrades. He raised the minimum wage and attracted massive investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and quantum computing.

The 2024 total gross state product for Illinois was $1.148 trillion, placing it fifth in the nation. Illinois' real GDP was about $895.3 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars. The economy grew by 1.2% in 2024 after adjusting for inflation. The information industry has shown exceptional growth, with 2024 GDP at 2.0 times the 2014 level. Illinois' economy is one of the most diversified in the world.

Manufacturing in Illinois accounts for 14% of the state's total output and generates $101 billion in economic activity. Illinois has one of the most diversified economies in the world, with strong sectors in agriculture, manufacturing, finance, technology, and professional services. The information industry has doubled since 2014, demonstrating the state's evolution toward technology-driven growth.

In 2024, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced nearly $10 million in funding for 47 small businesses through the Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program, established in 2019. The state provides various support programs for entrepreneurs, including grants, technical assistance, and access to capital.

You can search through all services offered by Illinois agencies through the official Illinois.gov website. The Illinois Secretary of State offers driver's license, notary public, state archives, and business services. Central Management Services provides vital operational support including emergency management, vehicle services, and media services to state agencies.

The three branches of Illinois state government are executive, judicial, and legislative. The legislative branch is called the General Assembly. The Governor leads the executive branch and is assisted by the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Comptroller. Illinois is one of a handful of states with no term limits on governors.

Illinois has 102 counties, ranging from Cook County (the second-most populous county in the United States with over 5 million residents) to rural counties with fewer than 5,000 residents. Each county has its own government structure with elected officials including commissioners or board members, sheriff, clerk, and treasurer.

Illinois has attracted massive new investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and quantum computing under Governor Pritzker's administration. These investments have helped Illinois' economy reach over a trillion dollars. The state's business-friendly policies, skilled workforce, central location, and transportation infrastructure make it attractive for major corporate investments.

Under Governor Pritzker's administration, Illinois has achieved nine credit rating upgrades. The state has balanced its budget every year, eliminated the multi-billion-dollar bill backlog, and improved pension funding. These fiscal improvements demonstrate Illinois' commitment to sound financial management and have strengthened the state's position in municipal bond markets.