America's Top States for Business - Illinois

Carlton A. on Florida:
"Florida has long been regarded as a place for tourists and retirees. However, because of it's location, univeristy system, void of income tax, well maintained and developed highway infrastructure, numerous international and regional airports, sea ports..."

Tracy F. on North Dakota:
"Leadership gurus around the globe say that today’s companies want a workforce whose actions speak louder than their words. Companies want to hire and promote people who get to the point, get the job done and get results...."

Claude L. on North Carolina:
"North Carolina is certainly among the top five states in business. All you have to do is ask people from Manteo to Murphy why they live, work, worship and play here...."

Betty K. on Texas:
"I think Texas is # 1. This is a great state to work and reside in. San Antonio has great medical facilities and research."

Joseph R. on Nevada:
"NEVADA! It is very hard to believe that you have ranked Nevada at #43! In Nevada there is no state income tax, no corporate tax, no inheritance tax, we have one of the best economies in the nation..."

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Illinois

Previous: Idaho | Next: Indiana

Bronze lions fitted with Chicago Bears football helmet outside the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois. / AP

Year of Statehood:	1818
Governor:	Rod Blagojevich (D)
Population:	12,763,371
Gross State Product:	$43,878 (per capita)
Growth Rate:	2.1%
Unemployment Rate:	4.8%
Major Industries:	Cattle, Manufacturing, Mining, Agriculture
Related Links:	- State Economic Development - Official State Website

Rank	Category	Score
39	OVERALL	901
44	Cost of Doing Business	146
47	Workforce	108
27	Economy	120
24	Education	124
16	Quality of Life	145
6	Technology & Innovation	124
18	Transportation	63
32	Cost of Living	18
38	Business Friendliness	18
16	Access to Capital	35

Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes
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