Think You Know Illinois? These Are the 10 Largest Cities

Rockford used to be the second-largest city in Illinois. That was our trivia crown behind being the home of Rock' n Roll Hall of Famers, Cheap Trick. Our go-to fun fact. But times change, and apparently, so do city populations.

Do You Know the 10 Largest Cities in Illinois?

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According to the latest U.S. Census estimates from July 2024, Illinois' big city list has shuffled a bit. Chicago is still ridiculously huge (more than 2.7 million people), and Aurora continues to hold tight to second place.

But guess what? Naperville just leapfrogged Joliet to take the #3 spot.

And Rockford?

We're still hangin' tough at #5, the largest city outside of the Chicago metro area. We'll take it.

MORE: The Best Places to Live in Illinois, Ranked by What Really Matters

So Here's a Little Challenge:

Without peeking, can you name all 10 of Illinois' biggest cities in order? Spoiler alert below — scroll when you're ready to see how many you nailed.

READ MORE: 3 Secret Getaways in Illinois Everyone Should Know About

Illinois' Top 10 Largest Cities (2024)

10. Waukegan – 88,570

9. Champaign – 91,961

8. Peoria – 111,696

7. Springfield – 112,949

6. Elgin – 114,701

5. Rockford – 147,486

4. Joliet – 151,837

3. Naperville – 153,124

2. Aurora – 180,710

1. Chicago – 2,721,308

So, how many did you get right? Ever been to all ten? Think Rockford should rise back up? It's either time to start recruiting people, or it's time to get busy making babies.

MORE: 5 Most Expensive Places to Live In Illinois