Illinois has reinforced its standing as one of the United States’ premier destinations for corporate investment, ranking second nationwide for corporate expansions and relocations for the fourth consecutive year, according to the latest analysis by Site Selection Magazine. Chicago also retained its position as the country’s top metropolitan area for corporate projects for the 13th consecutive year, underscoring the region’s enduring appeal for global businesses.
The rankings, widely regarded by corporate real estate professionals as the industry’s benchmark for economic development performance, evaluate projects that meet at least one of several criteria: a minimum investment of $1 million, the creation of 20 or more new jobs, or the development of at least 20,000 square feet of new space.
Governor JB Pritzker welcomed the recognition, emphasizing Illinois’ sustained efforts to build a competitive, innovation-driven economy.
“Once again, Site Selection is highlighting Illinois’ role as a nation-leading hub for business development,” Pritzker said. “Thanks to our innovative workforce development efforts, competitive incentives, and unmatched infrastructure, Illinois has solidified its position as an economic powerhouse that helps job creators thrive in every corner of the state.”
Strategic collaboration driving growth
Central to the state’s success is “Team Illinois,” a coordinated partnership involving the governor’s office, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (EDC), utilities, universities, and local economic development organizations. Together, the group has focused on strengthening site readiness, workforce training, and international outreach through trade missions.
“These rankings are a reflection of the innovative and accommodating business environment we’ve built here in Illinois,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “If you are looking to expand and grow, there is a place for you here.”
DCEO Director Kristin Richards credited the state’s long-term economic strategy for maintaining its strong performance. “Illinois continues to solidify its position as an economic powerhouse through its consistently high rankings as a top destination for corporate growth,” she said.
Major investments across key industries
Illinois recorded 680 business expansion or relocation projects in 2025, an increase from 664 projects in 2024. Several major corporate investments helped drive this growth.
Among them, Pure Lithium announced the relocation of its operations from Boston to Chicago to produce lithium metal batteries, while Canadian firm Damera Corporation selected Greater Peoria as the site for its first U.S. electric bus assembly facility. Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is investing $120 million to develop a 1.2-million-square-foot supplier park in Normal, attracting additional suppliers including Adient and OPmobility.
Other projects include Cronus Chemicals’ planned $2 billion fertilizer production facility in Tuscola, Silesia’s expanded flavor innovation center in Huntley, and Epic Pharma Solutions’ first U.S. manufacturing facility in Pekin.
Emerging leadership in quantum technology
Illinois is also positioning itself at the forefront of advanced technologies. Construction has begun on the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on Chicago’s South Side, anchored by quantum computing firm PsiQuantum. New tenants include Colorado-based Infleqtion, French quantum company Pasqal, and Australian startup Diraq.
Christy George, president and CEO of the Illinois EDC, said the continued recognition sends a strong message to global investors.
“For the fourth consecutive year, Illinois has ranked among the top two states in Site Selection’s analysis for corporate expansions and relocations,” George said. “That sustained performance sends a powerful signal to investors and decision-makers around the world that Illinois offers the stability, talent, infrastructure and partnership businesses need to thrive.”
According to Site Selection editor-in-chief Adam Bruns, Illinois’ success reflects a combination of strong policy leadership and broad geographic growth. “Having Chicagoland as the No. 1 metro area in the nation by projects certainly helps,” Bruns said, noting that smaller cities across the state have also contributed significantly to Illinois’ economic momentum.
