Foreclosures in Illinois increased in 2009 over the prior year. There was a total of 131,132 properties with foreclosure filings. That works out to a rate of one filing for every 40 households, which compares to the United States average of 45, and is about two and a half percent of the state's housing units.
Illinois is the 5th largest U.S. state by population, with 12,910,409 people (in 2009). Its 57,918 square miles make it the 25th largest state by area. Median household income in 2008 was $47,576.
Illinois is among the national leaders in manufacturing, mining, farming, and petroleum production. It produces food, transportation and scientific equipment, chemicals, and machinery. The Chicago area is known for producing steel, packing meat, its grain exchange, railroad hub, and port on the Great Lakes. Illinois also produces large amounts of corn, hay, oats, sorghum, and soybeans.
