Illinois vs Iowa: Livability Score
Iowa has a higher livability score than Illinois.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for livability score.
Top 10 States — Livability Score
Massachusetts
Idaho
New Jersey
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Florida
New Hampshire
New York
Utah
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Iowa
Illinois ranks 17th and Iowa ranks 12th nationally for livability score.
Related Context
What Drives the Score
The livability score synthesizes several quality-of-life signals — here are the key inputs.
What This Means
Illinois vs Iowa: Livability Score in context
Iowa has a livability score of 56.23, compared with 54.60 in Illinois. Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).
People Also Ask
Illinois vs Iowa Livability Score — Common Questions
Q What is Illinois's livability score?
Illinois's livability score is 54.60.
Q What is Iowa's livability score?
Iowa's livability score is 56.23.
Q Which state has a higher livability score — Illinois or Iowa?
Iowa has a higher livability score than Illinois.
More Comparisons: Illinois vs Iowa
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Sources: Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker.