Why Illinois - Intersect Illinois

Why Illinois?

Welcome to the intersection of America— and the world. Where talent, innovation, transportation and infrastructure converge and where many of the nation’s top businesses thrive.

Strategically located at the heart of the country, Illinois is the crossroads of commerce that puts businesses, people and goods within a four-hour flight of the entire North American market—not to mention the home to the world's most connected airport.

On top of that, Illinois companies benefit from a world-class transportation and logistics network, reliable, low-cost energy, abundant water and natural resources and a highly educated workforce supported by more than 247 higher education institutions.

Learn why over 30 Fortune 500 companies and more than 2,000 international industry leaders call Illinois home.

Why Illinois

Key facts

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Illinois is a premier destination for businesses to locate or expand. Its ecosystem provides opportunities for everyone, no matter size or sector. But don’t just take our word for it. See the facts.

760 Startups

launched from Illinois universities over the past five years. Illinois companies raised more than $10.3 billion in 2022 alone.

Home to over 30 Fortune 500 Headquarters

Including Abbott, ADM, Allstate, Baxter, Motorola Solutions, Exelon, John Deere, Kraft Heinz, McDonalds, Mondelez, State Farm, United, Walgreens. Just to name a few.

#2 Location in the Nation

for business expansion and creation in 2023 according to Site Selection magazine’s annual ranking.

OVERVIEW

Economic Overview

Illinois’ economic strength begins with its ecosystem of like-minded pioneers and trailblazers. The 18th largest economy in the world, Illinois has grown and attracted some of the most innovative and iconic companies on the planet including Abbott, ADM, Allstate, Baxter, Motorola Solutions, Exelon, John Deere, Kraft Heinz, McDonalds, Mondelez, State Farm, United, Walgreens and more.

Among the state’s greatest assets are its talent pool of nearly 6.4 million people—about a third of whom hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—and one of the most connected transportation and logistics networks in the country. The state is also home to a supportive business environment that welcomes and fosters growth.

Illinois businesses span existing and emerging industries and create good-paying jobs for its residents.

5th

Largest GDP
in the Nation

18th

Largest Economy
in the World

#1

Midwest state for business creation (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Skilled workforce

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Illinois has a strong workforce ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. The state’s labor force has nearly 6.4 million people. And, its nearly 250 higher education institutions fuel one of its greatest assets: its robust, skilled talent pool.

Central Location & Infrastructure

Illinois offers unparalleled access to global markets. A hub for transportation, Illinois is home to five international airports, seven Class I railroads, the third largest interstate highway system in the country and the third largest inland port in the world.

The state’s central location puts businesses, people and goods within a four-hour flight of the entire North American market—not to mention non-stop service to more than 60 international destinations. Chicago’s O’Hare is ranked the WORLD’s most connected airport.

In addition, the state offers businesses top-notch digital infrastructure, reliable, low-cost energy and abundant water and natural resources.

Road and Rail

Illinois’ highly efficient network of road and rail includes seven Class I freight railroads, the largest intermodal system in the U.S.—the third largest in the world—and the third largest interstate highway system in the nation, complete with 2,158 miles of road.

Chicago is one of the largest rail corridors in North America, with approximately twenty-five percent of all U.S. freight traffic passing through it.

Airports

Ranked the single most connected airport in the WORLD, Illinois is a global hub for air transport. The state is home to 10 major airports, including Chicago O’Hare, which is among the world’s busiest airports, served by all significant international carriers.

Home to operations of United, Southwest and American airlines, Illinois boasts the only “Triple Hub” in North America, providing passengers with 1,166 daily departures and non-stop services to more than 200 destinations.

Ports

Offering access to three major water ports—St. Louis Metropolitan Port, Mid-America Port and Illinois Waterway Ports —Illinois’ connectivity doesn’t stop with rail and air.

Illinois also boasts the largest inland container port in North America—CenterPoint Intermodal Center, located in Joliet, IL—and 19 port districts, which provide access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s no wonder Illinois ranks as the fifth largest exporting state in the U.S. and the top exporter in the Midwest.

Utilities

Illinois offers low energy rates and deregulation, abundant water and natural resources and robust digital infrastructure that keeps your business running at a steady clip without compromising your bottom line.

The average cost of electricity in Illinois is significantly lower than many competitor states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware and neighboring Indiana, and its reliability is among the best in the Midwest.

The state is also committed to increasing its share of renewable energy and investing in smart grid and fiber optic technology to bring 21st century energy and digital solutions to its businesses and residents. A major digital hub, Chicago has among the highest fiber optic capacity of any metro area in the country and three of the world’s largest data centers are in Chicago or its suburbs.

Infrastructure

Major Employers

Illinois is home to a network of global powerhouse companies—ready customers, suppliers and collaborators—across industries. The state is home to more than 1,900 major corporate headquarters and over 2,000 foreign businesses.

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GLOBAL BUSINESS CENTER

International Business Center

Illinois is committed to breaking down barriers for businesses looking to locate in the U.S. Home to more than 2,000 international companies, Illinois has proven to be a natural choice for global employers expanding in the North American market. With more than 80 consulates/consuls general, 90 sister cities, eight foreign trade zones and five international airports, Illinois allows international companies to reach their global customers, while also feeling at home.

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