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Condense the entire country into one small geographic area, and what' do you get? Illinois.

As a nationwide crossroads of U.S. air, rail, auto and truck traffic through dynamic Chicago, the state of Illinois remains the perfect "average" — from its median cost of living index to its ethnic and religious demographic.

Of course, for many job and salary seekers Chicago remains the "bright lights, big city" destination with its accompanying higher cost of living. Outside the city and surrounding suburban Chicagoland, however, expect to find Illinois magically transformed into small town agricultural America.

This is especially true heading toward the southern and most rural part of the state where the state capital, Springfield, was voted in 2010 one of Illinois' most affordable cities. According to the same report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, other Illinois communities that ranked on a par with Springfield for affordable shopping and housing were Danville and the East St. Louis area.

Illinois quality-of-life statistics

Demographics : (Illinois Census Data)
Major cities: Springfield (capital), Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Peoria
Population : 12,831,970
White : 79.4%
Black, African American : 15.1%
Hispanic : 14.3%
High school graduates : 81.4%
Bachelor's degree or higher : 26.1%
Average household income: $47,711

Cost of Living: Illinois cost of living index is 100.00, or on par with the national average.

Property Taxes : Illinois Tax Climate - Combined state/local property taxes were $17,888,828,000 in 2004, which brings per capita collections to $1,407 (ranking 9th highest nationally).

Personal Income Taxes: Illinois residents must file their personal income tax using the Illinois Individual Resident Income Tax Form (IL-1040) by April 15. Illinois imposes a flat 5 percent of a taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income.

Housing & Real Estate Overview : also see Zillow - Illinois Real Estate
Home ownership rate : 67.3%
Average home price: $232,119
Average travel time to work : 28 minutes

Schools : see Illinois State Board of Education

Weather : General weather conditions are fairly divided between the southern & northern part of the state, with northern winters colder and summers somewhat cooler. Due to its Midwest location, Illinois warm weather tornados are by far the most destructive weather hazard statewide.

Crime : see Illinois Crime Information

also see -> Illinois Taxes | Illinois Eviction Laws | Illinois Outlets

Illinois Tourism | Illinois Fall Foliage | Illinois Beaches | Illinois WIneries

Christmas in Illinois | Illinois Kids Party Locations

More about moving to Illinois around the Web:

Moving to Illinois - Official state site offering links to maps, crime statistics, jobs & career resources, banking & real estate, K-12 schools.

Moving to Illinois City-Data Forums - Active discussions with Q&A on moving to Chicago, Springfield, and rural & suburban Illinois with information on cost of living, property taxes, neighborhoods, local politics, jobs, and related tips & advice.

Berkeley Parents Network - Moving to Chicago - Archived message board posts on best family and kid-friendly neighborhoods, schools & day-care in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.

Chicago for Residents - The official site with a guide to neighborhoods & communities, city services, apartments & real estate, schools & colleges, public transportation, maps, tourist attractions.

also see Chicago suburbs -> TownClick | Hinsdale | Clarendon Hills | Downers Grove

Lake Forest | Highland Park | Glenview | Oak Brook | Glen Ellyn | Naperville

City of Rockford - Relocation Guide - Information on home buying assistance programs, apartment rentals, property taxes, area utilities and city services, voter and vehicle registration.

Illinois real estate, apartments & job classifieds:

Chicago : Tribune | Sun-Times
Rockford : Register-Star
Aurora : Beacon News
Peoria : Journal Star