Largest cities in Illinois (2021)

The table below lists the 221 largest cities in Illinois by population – every city with a population of more than 10,000 people.
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, and the 3rd largest city in the United States. According to the latest US Census Bureau estimates, the population of Chicago is 2,695,598.
The sprawling Chicago Metropolitan Area (CMA) has a population of 9.4 million people (2015 estimate). It is so large that it crosses into two neighbouring states – Indiana and Wisconsin. Seven of the ten largest cities in the state of Illinois are part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
The second largest city in Illinois is Aurora (population 201,110), followed by Joliet (population: 148,262). Both cities are part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The largest city outside of the CMA is Rockford (population 147,651), in northern Illinois.
Springfield is the Illinois state capital. The population of Springfield is 115,715, making it the sixth most populous city in Illinois.
The table below lists the 221 largest cities in the state of Illinois, their population at the time of the 2010 census, their latest estimated population, and the percentage population increase since 2010. You can sort each column, and use the search box to find individual towns and cities. For example, by sorting the population growth column, you can find the fastest growing city in Kansas, as well as identify those cities that are losing population.
[table “68” not found /]Source: US Census Bureau.