In 2024, Illinois ranked among the best in the nation in major economic development rankings. These developments coincide with nine credit rating upgrades over two years and a steady increase in GDP since 2020.

Highlights include:

• #1 in Midwest for workforce development for the second consecutive year (Site Selection Magazine)
• #2 state in the nation for corporate investments for the second year in a row, with Chicago clocking in as the Top Metro in the country for corporate investments for the 11^th year in a row (Site Selection Magazine)
• CNBC Rankings:
  • #4 in the nation for access to capital (up from #6 in ’23)
  • #5 in the nation for cost of living (up from #9 in ’23)
  • #6 in the nation for tech and innovation (up from #14 in ’23)
  • Moved up 15 spots in Best States for Business since 2018

• Chicago voted Best Big City in the nation by readers for the eighth consecutive year (Condé Nast Traveler)

These rankings show Illinois has a burgeoning and thriving economy that is sure to climb even higher in the coming years.