Counties where children have the best opportunity for economic mobility in Illinois
Roberto Galan // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.85
- Median Income: $58,502
- Population: 13,238
--- 87.9% white
--- 9.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
- Median Income: $58,502
- Population: 13,238
--- 87.9% white
--- 9.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
#50. Johnson County
PICTOR PICTURES // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.86
- Median Income: $62,202
- Population: 6,485
--- 96.6% white
--- 0.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
- Median Income: $62,202
- Population: 6,485
--- 96.6% white
--- 0.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
#49. Henderson County
Canva
- Economic connectedness: 0.86
- Median Income: $49,680
- Population: 11,414
--- 95.1% white
--- 0.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.6% Asian
- Median Income: $49,680
- Population: 11,414
--- 95.1% white
--- 0.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1.6% Asian
#48. Wabash County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.86
- Median Income: $58,227
- Population: 45,152
--- 96.1% white
--- 1% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
- Median Income: $58,227
- Population: 45,152
--- 96.1% white
--- 1% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
#47. Macoupin County
Gregory S. King // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.86
- Median Income: $63,555
- Population: 4,923
--- 96.2% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
- Median Income: $63,555
- Population: 4,923
--- 96.2% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
#46. Scott County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.86
- Median Income: $66,067
- Population: 15,587
--- 96.5% white
--- 0.8% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $66,067
- Population: 15,587
--- 96.5% white
--- 0.8% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#45. Clark County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.86
- Median Income: $58,481
- Population: 27,362
--- 91.7% white
--- 1% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
- Median Income: $58,481
- Population: 27,362
--- 91.7% white
--- 1% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
#44. Iroquois County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.87
- Median Income: $55,833
- Population: 6,233
--- 96.3% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
- Median Income: $55,833
- Population: 6,233
--- 96.3% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
#43. Edwards County
Kenneth Keifer // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.87
- Median Income: $66,530
- Population: 10,528
--- 96.4% white
--- 0.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.2% Asian
- Median Income: $66,530
- Population: 10,528
--- 96.4% white
--- 0.1% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.2% Asian
#42. Cumberland County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.87
- Median Income: $60,237
- Population: 9,324
--- 97.1% white
--- 0.3% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.2% Asian
- Median Income: $60,237
- Population: 9,324
--- 97.1% white
--- 0.3% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.2% Asian
#41. Jasper County
Ken Schulze // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.87
- Median Income: $59,346
- Population: 6,330
--- 77% white
--- 18.5% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
- Median Income: $59,346
- Population: 6,330
--- 77% white
--- 18.5% Black
--- 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
#40. Brown County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $59,407
- Population: 33,338
--- 91.3% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
- Median Income: $59,407
- Population: 33,338
--- 91.3% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
#39. Bureau County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $53,654
- Population: 16,804
--- 90% white
--- 7% Black
--- 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1% Asian
- Median Income: $53,654
- Population: 16,804
--- 90% white
--- 7% Black
--- 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1% Asian
#38. Bond County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $62,097
- Population: 49,412
--- 91.8% white
--- 2.2% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $62,097
- Population: 49,412
--- 91.8% white
--- 2.2% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#37. Henry County
Eddie J. Rodriquez // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $54,959
- Population: 15,586
--- 91.4% white
--- 3% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.8% Asian
- Median Income: $54,959
- Population: 15,586
--- 91.4% white
--- 3% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.8% Asian
#36. Carroll County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $45,704
- Population: 27,743
--- 88.4% white
--- 5.2% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.5% Asian
- Median Income: $45,704
- Population: 27,743
--- 88.4% white
--- 5.2% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.5% Asian
#35. McDonough County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $62,825
- Population: 109,986
--- 89.5% white
--- 2.7% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
- Median Income: $62,825
- Population: 109,986
--- 89.5% white
--- 2.7% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
#34. LaSalle County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $54,942
- Population: 18,825
--- 92% white
--- 5.2% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
- Median Income: $54,942
- Population: 18,825
--- 92% white
--- 5.2% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
#33. Crawford County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $60,103
- Population: 21,160
--- 97.6% white
--- 0.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
- Median Income: $60,103
- Population: 21,160
--- 97.6% white
--- 0.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
#32. Shelby County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.88
- Median Income: $61,419
- Population: 35,902
--- 91.2% white
--- 3.6% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $61,419
- Population: 35,902
--- 91.2% white
--- 3.6% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#31. Livingston County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.89
- Median Income: $65,590
- Population: 34,576
--- 96.5% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $65,590
- Population: 34,576
--- 96.5% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#30. Effingham County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.89
- Median Income: $67,309
- Population: 14,634
--- 96.8% white
--- 1% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.2% Asian
- Median Income: $67,309
- Population: 14,634
--- 96.8% white
--- 1% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.2% Asian
#29. Moultrie County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.89
- Median Income: $95,751
- Population: 696,403
--- 70% white
--- 11.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 5.7% Asian
- Median Income: $95,751
- Population: 696,403
--- 70% white
--- 11.4% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 5.7% Asian
#28. Will County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.89
- Median Income: $62,250
- Population: 34,373
--- 89% white
--- 5.4% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
- Median Income: $62,250
- Population: 34,373
--- 89% white
--- 5.4% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
#27. Lee County
Henryk Sadura // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.89
- Median Income: $68,860
- Population: 131,977
--- 95.1% white
--- 1.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1% Asian
- Median Income: $68,860
- Population: 131,977
--- 95.1% white
--- 1.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 1% Asian
#26. Tazewell County
Altosvic // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.89
- Median Income: $63,142
- Population: 19,708
--- 93.4% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $63,142
- Population: 19,708
--- 93.4% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#25. Douglas County
Leigh Trail // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.9
- Median Income: $60,401
- Population: 15,653
--- 95.9% white
--- 1.1% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
- Median Income: $60,401
- Population: 15,653
--- 95.9% white
--- 1.1% Black
--- 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
#24. DeWitt County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.9
- Median Income: $71,655
- Population: 21,533
--- 95.9% white
--- 0.4% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $71,655
- Population: 21,533
--- 95.9% white
--- 0.4% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#23. Jersey County
Eddie J. Rodriquez // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.9
- Median Income: $60,231
- Population: 11,781
--- 95.3% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
- Median Income: $60,231
- Population: 11,781
--- 95.3% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
#22. Marshall County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.91
- Median Income: $56,939
- Population: 206,583
--- 70% white
--- 13.1% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 10.7% Asian
- Median Income: $56,939
- Population: 206,583
--- 70% white
--- 13.1% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 10.7% Asian
#21. Champaign County
Charles Brutlag // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.91
- Median Income: $79,743
- Population: 12,343
--- 96.7% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
- Median Income: $79,743
- Population: 12,343
--- 96.7% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
#20. Menard County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.91
- Median Income: $58,188
- Population: 17,750
--- 96.2% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
- Median Income: $58,188
- Population: 17,750
--- 96.2% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
#19. Hancock County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.92
- Median Income: $67,030
- Population: 13,827
--- 96.8% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
- Median Income: $67,030
- Population: 13,827
--- 96.8% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
#18. Washington County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.92
- Median Income: $67,534
- Population: 51,787
--- 91.3% white
--- 1.2% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $67,534
- Population: 51,787
--- 91.3% white
--- 1.2% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#17. Ogle County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.92
- Median Income: $55,109
- Population: 5,436
--- 96.2% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
- Median Income: $55,109
- Population: 5,436
--- 96.2% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
#16. Stark County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.92
- Median Income: $55,011
- Population: 13,589
--- 93% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $55,011
- Population: 13,589
--- 93% white
--- 0.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#15. Ford County
Caileb Feik // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 0.93
- Median Income: $59,972
- Population: 15,779
--- 95.6% white
--- 0.5% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
- Median Income: $59,972
- Population: 15,779
--- 95.6% white
--- 0.5% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.3% Asian
#14. Mercer County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.94
- Median Income: $67,419
- Population: 5,638
--- 95.4% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
- Median Income: $67,419
- Population: 5,638
--- 95.4% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
#13. Putnam County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.96
- Median Income: $70,339
- Population: 171,455
--- 81.9% white
--- 8.3% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 5.1% Asian
- Median Income: $70,339
- Population: 171,455
--- 81.9% white
--- 8.3% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 5.1% Asian
#12. McLean County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.97
- Median Income: $64,019
- Population: 100,922
--- 81.1% white
--- 7.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.3% Asian
- Median Income: $64,019
- Population: 100,922
--- 81.1% white
--- 7.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.3% Asian
#11. DeKalb County
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- Economic connectedness: 0.98
- Median Income: $101,816
- Population: 130,757
--- 76.3% white
--- 8.2% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.9% Asian
- Median Income: $101,816
- Population: 130,757
--- 76.3% white
--- 8.2% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.9% Asian
#10. Kendall County
Michael Rolands // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 1.
- Median Income: $74,792
- Population: 4,537
--- 96% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
- Median Income: $74,792
- Population: 4,537
--- 96% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
#9. Calhoun County
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- Economic connectedness: 1.02
- Median Income: $61,289
- Population: 21,995
--- 96.3% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
- Median Income: $61,289
- Population: 21,995
--- 96.3% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.5% Asian
#8. Jo Daviess County
Vladislav Gajic // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 1.02
- Median Income: $77,559
- Population: 16,664
--- 96.4% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
- Median Income: $77,559
- Population: 16,664
--- 96.4% white
--- 0.6% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0% Asian
#7. Piatt County
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- Economic connectedness: 1.03
- Median Income: $93,801
- Population: 310,749
--- 88.7% white
--- 1.5% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.7% Asian
- Median Income: $93,801
- Population: 310,749
--- 88.7% white
--- 1.5% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 2.7% Asian
#6. McHenry County
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- Economic connectedness: 1.04
- Median Income: $100,292
- Population: 934,094
--- 72.6% white
--- 4.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 12.3% Asian
- Median Income: $100,292
- Population: 934,094
--- 72.6% white
--- 4.9% Black
--- 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 12.3% Asian
#5. DuPage County
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- Economic connectedness: 1.06
- Median Income: $81,764
- Population: 52,364
--- 91.6% white
--- 1.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
- Median Income: $81,764
- Population: 52,364
--- 91.6% white
--- 1.3% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.7% Asian
#4. Grundy County
Jason Patrick Ross // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 1.06
- Median Income: $72,468
- Population: 37,048
--- 92% white
--- 3.4% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
- Median Income: $72,468
- Population: 37,048
--- 92% white
--- 3.4% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.6% Asian
#3. Clinton County
eogebel // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 1.06
- Median Income: $76,486
- Population: 38,571
--- 96.4% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
- Median Income: $76,486
- Population: 38,571
--- 96.4% white
--- 0.7% Black
--- 0% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.4% Asian
#2. Woodford County
David Huffman // Shutterstock
- Economic connectedness: 1.14
- Median Income: $92,950
- Population: 34,732
--- 96.9% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
- Median Income: $92,950
- Population: 34,732
--- 96.9% white
--- 0.2% Black
--- 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
--- 0.9% Asian
This story features data reporting and writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
#1. Monroe County
David Huffman // Shutterstock