ILLINOIS — In a sobering report that could impact both policy perception and political futures, Illinois has been ranked 51st out of 51 for economic health in the United States, according to a new WalletHub study released this week.
The ranking includes all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., placing Illinois behind every state in the nation — including traditionally underperforming economies.
Breakdown of the Economic Indicators
WalletHub used 28 key economic performance indicators to build its rankings, grouped into three main categories:
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Economic Activity: Illinois ranked 41st.
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Economic Health: Illinois ranked 51st — the lowest in the country.
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Innovation Potential: Illinois placed 26th, showing moderate potential in workforce skills and research output.
The full methodology included measures like GDP growth, unemployment rates, startup activity, exports per capita, and share of fast-growing firms.
Unemployment Rate Remains Concerning
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois recorded an unemployment rate of 4.8% as of April 2025, among the highest in the Midwest and well above the national average. Neighboring states like Indiana (3.6%) and Wisconsin (2.9%) continue to outperform Illinois in job recovery.
Critics say the state’s job environment has struggled under a mix of high tax burdens and uncertain business policies.
Governor Pritzker Faces Renewed Criticism
The WalletHub ranking has sparked fresh attacks on Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has been defending his administration’s economic record amid persistent fiscal and public safety concerns. While his office highlights a balanced budget and investment in infrastructure, opponents argue the broader economic metrics tell a different story.
In an analysis by The Center Square, policy analysts suggest Illinois continues to suffer from long-term liabilities, unfunded pensions, and business flight to lower-tax states like Tennessee, Florida, and Texas.
Illinois vs. the Nation
Here’s how Illinois compares to key metrics nationwide:
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Unemployment Rate (April 2025): 4.8%
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Economic Activity Rank: 41st
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Innovation Potential Rank: 26th
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Overall Economic Health Rank: 51st out of 51
Top-performing states included Utah (#1), Washington (#2), and Colorado (#3) — each with strong GDP growth and technology sector strength.
Do you think Illinois’ economic challenges are temporary — or is deeper reform needed to pull the state back from the bottom of the national rankings?
Drop your thoughts below and stay informed on all local policy trends at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
