Illinois is struggling when it comes to civil liberties, the environment, and work and labor force, according to a new report.
The State of the Nation Project released its 2026 State of the States report in June, which compares each state when it comes to 15 key topics.
Here’s how Illinois compares with the rest of the U.S.
What is the State of the Nation Project?
The State of the Nation Project seeks to tackle “one of the most pressing questions of our time,” according to its website. “How are we doing as a country? With rising polarization, misinformation, pessimism, and distrust descending on us, we conceived the project to identify the challenges we face and recognize progress,” the website reads.
The project brings together a “diverse group of thought leaders” from across the political spectrum, in addition to engaging around 1,000 Americans about their views.
The project released its first report last year, and this year began looking at individual states and cross-state patterns.
Summary
Illinois ranks higher on average on the topics of Mental Health (4th), Trust (9th), and Economy (11th), but lower on Work and Labor Force (40th), Environment (44th), and Civil Liberties (47th).
Illinois outperforms its Midwest neighbors in two of the 14 topics and is improving over time on eight of the 31 measures, the report said.
The report ranked Illinois 27th compared to other states across all available measures.
Where does the report get its information?
The project identified 37 measures across 15 key topics that capture America’s progress.
The report cites what source is used for each category.
Life Satisfaction, for example, shows specific measures for each measure within it. The specific measure for Social Isolation within it is the percentage of adults who are not getting social and emotional support they need sometimes, usually, or always. The source is: Authors’ analysis of Census Bureau data.
Children and families
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed, according to the report.
Child mortality is improving over time. The percentage of children born at low birthweights, youth depression, and the percentage of children living with a single parent are worsening.
Citizenship & Democracy
This is one of the few topics that has only a single measure: voter participation.
Illinois’ progress in this area has been negative, the report said.
Civil Liberties
This is one of the few topics that has only a single measure: freedom of the press.
Illinois’ progress in this area has been negative.
“We choose our leaders and hold them accountable through elections,” the report reads, going on to define the elected leaders’ responsibilities.
But the responsibility of democratic government cannot be limited to elected leaders alone, the report added.
“Our citizens also have important responsibilities, including being informed, holding elected officials accountable through voting, tolerating those who are different and have divergent views from our own, and engaging more broadly in civic affairs.”
Economy
Illinois’ progress in this area has been positive.
In Illinois, both economic output and productivity are improving.
Education
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed.
Average years of education is improving over time. The percentage of young adults employed or in school is remaining relatively stable. Academic test scores are showing mixed trends over time.
Environment
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed.
Air quality is improving over time. Net greenhouse gas emissions are showing mixed trends over time.
Inequality
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed.
Income inequality is remaining relatively stable. Poverty is showing mixed trends over time.
Life Satisfaction
The state’s progress in this area has been mixed.
Satisfaction with our current lives is remaining relatively stable. Social isolation does not have enough data points to confidently determine a trend.
Mental Health
Illinois’ progress in this area has been negative. In Illinois, depression, fatal overdoses, and suicide are worsening, according to the report.
Physical Health
This is one of the few topics that has only a single measure: life expectancy.
Illinois’ progress in this area has been positive.
Social Capital
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed.
Volunteerism is improving over time. Trust in other people is worsening over time.
Trust
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed.
Trust in the federal government is worsening over time. Trust in science is showing mixed trends over time.
Violence
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed.
The murder rate is improving over time. The shootings rate is showing mixed trends over time.
Work & Labor Force
Illinois’ progress in this area has been mixed.
The long-term unemployment rate is worsening over time. The employment-to-population ratio, the labor force participation rate, and hourly earnings growth are showing mixed trends over time.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Report shows how Illinois ranks on education, economy and more
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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By Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register | USA TODAY Network
