Why Illinois?
ILLINOIS AT A GLANCE
Illinois is a global powerhouse in the heart of the US.
Its world-class talent and infrastructure provides countless opportunities for companies to thrive.
1.9K
Major Corporate HQs
2K
GLobal Companies
1.2
Million Small Businesses
Illinois remains a key player in the Midwest economy. As the fifth-largest state economy in the U.S., Illinois benefits from its strategic location and extensive transportation infrastructure.
According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the state's central position offers businesses unparalleled access to national and global markets. Over half of our country’s population is only a day’s drive from Illinois. Located at the center of the nation’s rail network, with continued investment in roadways and ports, Illinois sets the bar as a major transportation hub.
The Illinois commercial real estate market has shown resilience and growth potential, especially in industrial and logistics properties. The state's business climate, supported by initiatives like the EDGE Tax Credit program, aims to attract and retain businesses. The Illinois REALTORS® association reports steady growth in commercial property values, particularly in urban centers and key suburban markets. Illinois continues to attract significant investment due to its skilled workforce, educated population, quality of life and relatively low cost of living.
ILLINOIS AT A GLANCE
Integrating river transport, rail networks, major 
highways and world class airports.
ROAD
Day's drive to 50% of the population
3rd largest interstate highway system in the US
Direct highway access to St. Louis, Chicago, Memphis and Indianapolis
RIVER
3 public ports: America's Central Port, Kaskaskia Regional Port District, and St. Louis Port Authority
45 million tons of freight moved annually through the port system
Connections to road, rail, and warehouse infrastructure within miles
RAIL
4 Class 1 railroads with direct national connections
300+ miles of track across the region
Service to multiple transload and intermodal facilities
RUNWAY
1.7M passengers through STL annually
BLV cargo capacity supports large freighter aircraft and international shipments
Located within Foreign Trade Zone #31, offering tariff and tax advantages
ROAD
Day's drive to 50% of the population
3rd largest interstate highway system in the US
Direct highway access to St. Louis, Chicao, Memphis and Indianapolis
RIVER
3 public ports: America's Central Port, Kaskaskia Regional Port District, and St. Louis Port Authority
45 million tons of freight moved annually through the port system
Connections to road, rail, and warehouse infrastructure within miles
RAIL
4 Class 1 railroads with direct national connections
300+ miles of track across the region
Service to multiple transload and intermodal facilities
AIR
1.7M passengers through STL annually
BLV cargo capacity supports large freighter aircraft and international shipments
Located within Foreign Trade Zone #31, offering tariff and tax advantages
MAJOR BRANDS AND EMPLOYERS CALL IT HOME
Amazon
Southern Illinois Health Facilities Inc.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Scott Air force base
Wieland Rolled products
fairmount Park
casino & Racing
Phillips 66 Refinery
Gateway Regional Medical Center
Basler Electric
Geodis
Aisin
Hospital Sisters Health System
High Quality of Life and Affordability
$227K
Median home value
5th
best state for quality of life
84K
Median household income
60+
state parks
89
national historic
landmarks
16th
best state to live in
MAJOR BRANDS AND EMPLOYERS CALL IT HOME
Bradley University
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Southern Illinois
University Edwardsville
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
SPRINGFIELD
MCKENDREE UNIVERSITY
SIUC
ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
MILIKIN UNIVERSITY
