Introduction: Illinois Download PDF
A large influx of settlers to Illinois in the 19th century led to the cultivation of the prairie lands across the state, and agriculture began to expand quickly with focus in the Chicago area. Services, finance, and manufacturing have since become leading economic activities in Illinois. Even with the strength of other industries, agriculture remains a vital industry as Illinois ranks in the top five most productive farming states in the nation.
Today, the Chicago metropolitan area accounts for two-thirds of the population in Illinois. As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago is also recognized as a commercial and industrial center, serving as host to the world’s first and largest derivatives exchange market (Chicago Mercantile Exchange). The city is also a leading cultural center in North America, featuring world-renowned museums and libraries.
Government
Symbols
State Seal: |
State Quarter: |
Time Zones:
| Standard Time | GMT-6 | |
| Daylight-Saving Time | GMT-5 | |
Statistics
- Per Capita Real GDP :
- $39,568
- Population:
- 12,901,600
- Percent of People Under Poverty Level:
- 12%
- Per Capita Personal Income:
- $38,215
- Percent of Population with a Bachelor's Degree:
- 18.2%
- Total Exports:
- $48,730,200,000
Top 5 Export Partner Countries
Canada
Mexico
United Kingdom
Japan
Australia
Top 5 Export Merchandise
Machinery Sales
Chemicals Sales
Primary Metals Manufacturing
Chemicals Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Major Cities
Aurora, Chicago, Rockford
Major Airports
| Airport Name | City | |
| ORD | Chicago O'Hare International | Chicago |
| PIA | Greater Peoria Regional | Peoria |
| RFD | Chicago/Rockford International | Chicago/Rockford |
Main Ports:
Chicago, St.Louis
Corporations
| Company | Fortune 1000 Rank: | Revenues ($millions) | Headquarter City |
| Boeing | 28 | 61,530 | Chicago |
| State Farm Insurance Cos | 31 | 60,528 | Bloomington |
| Sears Holdings | 38 | 53,012 | Hoffman Estates |
| Walgreen | 44 | 47,409 | Deerfield |
| Motorola | 52 | 43,739 | Schaumburg |