Quick answer
Illinois can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $367,750, rent of $1,592/month and household income of $126,782, and the state's violent crime rate (258 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Bloomington, Plainfield, South Elgin.
Median home value
$367,750
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,592/mo
Household income
$126,782
Violent crime / 100k
258
Illinois, 2025
Population change
+0.4%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+4.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
2.9×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 81 | $198,800 | $1,004 | $75,449 | -0.1% |
| Plainfield, IL | 81 | $398,000 | $1,889 | $142,265 | +1.7% |
| South Elgin, IL | 80 | $296,100 | $1,619 | $123,744 | +0.6% |
| Oswego, IL | 79 | $319,000 | $1,823 | $119,881 | +1.9% |
| Buffalo Grove, IL | 78 | $392,900 | $2,042 | $129,820 | -0.3% |
| Batavia, IL | 76 | $358,000 | $1,255 | $119,167 | +1.4% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe County | 79 | $265,600 | $996 | $101,635 | +0.2% |
| Moultrie County | 75 | $121,500 | $773 | $71,676 | -0.4% |
| Piatt County | 75 | $173,200 | $950 | $87,516 | +0.0% |
| Jo Daviess County | 73 | $193,900 | $795 | $74,954 | -0.1% |
| Carroll County | 72 | $113,500 | $784 | $60,871 | +0.2% |
| Cumberland County | 72 | $117,700 | $756 | $69,826 | -0.7% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is Illinois a Good Place to Live in 2027?
Illinois can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $367,750, rent of $1,592/month and household income of $126,782, and the state's violent crime rate (258 per 100k, 2025) is below the median state. Start your research with Bloomington, Plainfield, South Elgin.
What are the best places to live in Illinois?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring Illinois cities are Bloomington, Plainfield, South Elgin, Oswego, Buffalo Grove, and the top counties are Monroe County, Moultrie County, Piatt County, Jo Daviess County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does Illinois have a state income tax?
Yes, Illinois taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
