CEO and Business Leader Surveys
Chief Executive Magazine Best & Worst States for Business (2026): #48 (near the bottom). Based on a survey of over 650 CEOs and business owners. Illinois has consistently ranked near the bottom (often with New York and California) due to taxes, regulations, and overall business environment perceptions. Top states: Texas (#1), Florida (#2), Tennessee (#3).
Tax-Focused Rankings
Tax Foundation State Tax Competitiveness Index (2026): #38 overall. Weaknesses in individual income taxes (#42), corporate taxes, property taxes, and overall structure. This is a more objective, numbers-driven index focused purely on tax policy.
Other Notable Rankings
Site Selection Magazine (Corporate Expansions & Relocations, 2025 data): #2 statewide (for the fourth consecutive year). Chicago metro often ranks #1. This highlights strong performance in landing big projects and investments, even if overall climate is criticized.
WalletHub Best States to Start a Business (2026): #29. Middling performance, stronger in some access-to-resources areas but weaker in costs and environment.
Rich States, Poor States (ALEC, 2026): #45 for economic outlook; #49 for recent economic performance (GDP growth, employment, migration).
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