Can You Live Comfortably on the Illinois Median Income?

Every year, new income data drops, and it sparks the same question: how much money do you actually need to feel comfortable in Illinois? The U.S. Census Bureau just released the latest breakdown of full-time salaries by state, and the spread is huge—over a $50,000 gap between the highest and lowest earners in the country.

The Highs and the Lows

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At the very top, Washington, D.C., takes the crown with a six-figure median salary. Massachusetts, Washington state, and Maryland aren’t far behind, all landing in the mid-to-high $70Ks. Meanwhile, states at the bottom, Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia, sit closer to the $50K range. That’s a massive difference depending on where you live.

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Where Does Illinois Fit In?

So here’s the big question: is Illinois closer to the high-flyers or stuck with the bargain bin states? The answer is somewhere in between, but definitely leaning toward the better side of the list. Illinois beats the national median salary, which sits just above $61,000. Not top 10 territory, but certainly not scraping the bottom either. Illinois’ median income is $65, 513.

What It Means If You Live Here

Here’s the good news: in Illinois (ranked 15th), a median paycheck stretches further than it would on the coasts. Housing, groceries, and everyday costs don’t drain your wallet the way they do in New York or California. Whether you’re in Chicagoland or Rockford, you’re working with a number that puts Illinoisans in a better spot than most. Visual Capitalist has more. See their map below.

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