Where Is Illinois? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

Illinois is home to one of the most famous cities in the world: Chicago. Chicago is the second-largest city in the United States with 2.6 million people. When someone mentions Illinois, they usually start naming things that Chicago is famous for. However, Illinois is so much more than that because after all, it’s the Land of Lincoln.

Located in the Midwest United States, most people know about Illinois and the major cities in the state, especially Chicago. But the real question is, do people know where Illinois is? Do people know about the states around Illinois? If you are wondering where Illinois is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Illinois’s bordering states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Illinois, and other facts about the Prairie State.

Where Is Illinois Located on the Map?

Illinois is located in the midwestern region of the United States. With an area of 57,915 square miles, it is the 25th largest state in terms of size. But where is Illinois on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Illinois Officially Join the US?

Illinois was part of French control when they explored the area and claimed it as theirs. After the Seven Years’ War, the British took over, but it soon changed hands when the state of Virginia claimed the territory as theirs. It later became a territory of the United States called the Northwest Territory. This soon was split into various territories, among them the Illinois Territory.

On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state. Kaskaskia was the first capital of the state, but that was moved in 1819 to Vandalia. In 1837, State Representative (and future President) Abraham Lincoln succeeded in moving the capital to its current location, Springfield.

Which States Border Illinois?

Five states border Illinois — Wisconsin to the north, Indiana to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Iowa and Missouri to the west. The state shares a border with Lake Michigan to its northeast, as well. Let’s take a look at the five states that border the Prairie State.

Indiana

Indiana is located to Illinois’s east and it bears the nickname the Hoosier State. The largest city is Indianapolis and the state is known as being the host of the Indy 500, the world-famous car race. With a population of 6.8 million, Indiana’s capital is Indianapolis and it was the 19th state admitted to the union.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin borders Illinois to the north. Nicknamed the Badger State, Wisconsin is best known for its delicious cheese. Wisconsin boasts a population of 5.8 million, its capital is Madison, and it was the 30th state admitted to the union in 1848.

Missouri

Missouri is Illinois’s neighbor to the west. Nicknamed the Show-Me State, Missouri is known for the Gateway Arch which is located in St, Louis. It holds the distinction as the tallest manmade monument in the US. Missouri became the 24th state to join the union in 1821, its capital is Jefferson City, and currently has a population of 6.1 million.

Kentucky

Kentucky is Illinois’s neighbor to the south. Nicknamed the Bluegrass State, the state of Kentucky is home to the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and the Kentucky Derby, the world-famous horse race. Kentucky became the 15th state to join the union in 1792, Frankfort is its capital and currently has a population of 4.5 million.

Iowa

Iowa is Illinois’s neighbor to the west. The state is nicknamed the Hawkeye State and it is famous for being a top agricultural producer for the country. Iowa is also the state where President Herbert Hoover was born. The state joined the union in 1846 and was the 29th state. Des Moines is its capital and it currently has a population of 3.1 million.

Is Illinois a Good Place to Live?

Illinois is a state that is robust economically, which means there are a lot of jobs so you are sure to be successful with a career here. You will also love the fact that Illinois, especially Chicago, is a foodie place with so many options. It will be a place steeped in rich history and the best part is that people in Illinois are friendly and nice. Lastly, Illinois is an affordable state to live in. The only exception is Chicago, which is quite expensive, just like other big cities around the country.

Unfortunately, to every pro, there are also cons. The climate can be all over the place with very cold winters, especially in the northern part of the state. Illinois is also a state with high taxes, so even though the wages are better, you may pay for it with taxes.

What Is the Climate in Illinois?

Illinois has a humid subcontinental type of climate where the state experiences hot and humid summers, but quite cold winters. Chicago and the northernmost part of the state are known to get a lot of precipitation — mainly rain, thunderstorms, and snow — often. Illinois is also home to many of the deadliest tornadoes to ever hit the US, including the 1925 Tri-State Tornado which killed 613 people in Illinois (695 overall).

When it comes to record temperatures, the hottest temperature ever recorded was 117 degrees Fahrenheit on July 14, 1954. The lowest recorded temperature was -38 degrees Fahrenheit on January 31, 2019.

What Is Illinois Most Known For?

Illinois is known for several things, but before you read on, grab a hot dog. The first hot dog stand was opened in Chicago in 1893, which means Chicagoans and the residents of the state know a thing or two about hot dogs. Now, let’s continue. Illinois was the first state to abolish slavery. The state is also known to be the birthplace or home of many presidents including Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, and Ronald Reagan. Also, Route 66, the all-American road that goes to California, starts in Chicago, IL. 

When it comes to wildlife, the state is quite biodiverse. Illinois is home to black bears, white-tailed deer (which is the state animal), and bobcats. If you look up at the sky, you may spot bluebirds or cardinals (which is the state bird). As for reptiles, it’s common to see tiger salamanders and American toads. As for the flora, Illinois has a lot of red maples and sweet gum trees that grow all over the state.

Fast Facts About Illinois

• Capital: Springfield
• Population: 12.8 million
• Governor: J.B. Pritzker
• Lieutenant Governor: Juliana Stratton
• State animal: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
• State bird: Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
• State flower: Violet (Viola odorata)

Conclusion

Illinois is a beautiful state and the prized city is Chicago. The state is mainly plains, but when it comes to Chicago, it’s a metropolis that rivals its counterparts. Illinois as a whole is a very affordable state and if you choose to live outside of the big city, then you can find reasonable prices. Of course, with Chicago in the picture, the state’s average home prices increase. Unfortunately, Chicago’s rent prices are one of the highest in the nation. If you’re looking for a big city, Chicago is your best bet, just be prepared for everything to be more expensive. At the end of the day, living in Illinois — the Land of Lincoln — will be amazing.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock.com