What Region Is Illinois In?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 12, 2023

Illinois lies in the north-central region of the U.S. It is one of 12 states in this region of the country.

The north-central region includes 11 states besides Illinois. These states are Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin and South Dakota. Of these 12 states, Illinois has the highest population.

Much of Illinois lies in an area called the prairie peninsula. This area is filled with mixed forests including hardwood deciduous forests. Lake Michigan is shared by Illinois and three other Midwestern states including Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana.

Illinois, like many other Midwestern states is covered in rich farmland and grows and exports crops such as corn.