Illinois | Population: 2,718,812 | Data as of Q2 2026
Steady GrowthChicago demonstrates steady, reliable growth with a BoomTown Score of 55/100. The strongest signal is building permits (+31.92% permit growth). While not experiencing the explosive growth of some Sun Belt cities, Chicago offers stability backed by job growth (+4.63% employment growth). This makes it an attractive option for long-term investors seeking dependable appreciation.
25 cities with the highest growth scores for 2026-2027. Data-backed, updated quarterly.