Locations in Illinois

Regional Analysis for Illinois

With 77 mapped destinations in 6 categories, Illinois presents a diverse landscape of regional service coverage. These destinations collectively reach approximately 120,154,471 residents spread across 358 incorporated communities, each within a 30-minute drive of at least one mapped location. The average location serves a catchment population of about 1,560,447, though this number masks considerable variation between densely populated metropolitan corridors and more remote rural areas. This analysis synthesizes the geographic data to identify the dominant service hubs in Illinois, assess the balance between urban and rural coverage, and evaluate access patterns for specific categories like retail and air transportation.

Top service hubs

The distribution of service coverage across Illinois follows a pattern typical of geographically diverse states, with a few dominant hubs and a longer tail of smaller service areas. Target in Hillside leads as the top Target destination, serving 3,931,136 residents in 20 incorporated communities. Chicago Behavioral Hospital, a Hospital in Des Plaines, holds the second-largest catchment at 3,834,583 residents. Collectively, the 10 largest catchment areas cover 37,853,368 people, which represents 32% of the state's total mapped population coverage. This concentration effect means that improvements or changes at the top hubs can have outsized impacts on regional access. Conversely, the smaller locations ensure baseline coverage for communities that would otherwise fall outside the practical reach of major destinations.

Urban and rural coverage

The balance between urban and rural coverage in Illinois reflects the state's underlying population distribution. Of the 77 mapped destinations, 76 are situated in areas with predominantly urban or suburban catchment profiles, while 1 serve primarily rural communities. The majority of mapped locations in Illinois serve urban or suburban catchment areas, where dense populations and well-developed road networks generate large service areas. The urban nature of Illinois's overall coverage means that most residents benefit from multiple nearby service options and short travel times. The median catchment population across all locations is 817,677, compared to an average of 1,560,447, indicating that there is moderate variation in catchment sizes, with some larger locations pulling the average above the typical service area. Communities in rural areas of Illinois often depend on one or two key destinations for services that urban residents can access from multiple nearby locations, creating a pattern of regional dependence that shapes travel behavior across the state.

Largest Service Areas in Illinois

The table below presents all 77 mapped locations in Illinois, ranked by the total population within a 30-minute drive. The largest service area belongs to Target, a Target in Hillside, reaching 3,931,136 residents across 20 communities. At the other end of the spectrum, Harrisburg-Raleigh Airport serves the smallest catchment with 17,881 residents. This range illustrates the geographic diversity of Illinois, from densely populated metropolitan corridors to more isolated rural destinations.

Retail Access in Illinois

Retail coverage across Illinois encompasses 58 Target, Walmart, and Costco locations with a total catchment population of roughly 96,595,345. The largest retail catchment belongs to Target in Hillside, serving 3,931,136 residents. The retail network reflects a balance between market demand and population geography, with stores concentrated in areas where customer density supports commercial operations. An average catchment of 1,665,436 residents per retail location in Illinois suggests strong retail density with deep population coverage per store. This retail infrastructure is an important component of Illinois's regional service network, providing everyday goods and services that anchor community activity. The table below details each retail location's reach, enabling comparison of service coverage across different parts of the state.

Airport Access in Illinois

Air transportation coverage across Illinois is anchored by 3 mapped airports, which together serve approximately 109,474 residents in 50 incorporated communities within a 30-minute drive. The largest airport catchment in Illinois belongs to Southern Illinois Airport in Unknown, serving 63,846 residents. The role of airports extends beyond simple transportation, contributing to regional economic activity and providing critical connectivity for residents and businesses. With an average catchment of 36,491, airport coverage in Illinois demonstrates selectively reach. The analysis below details each airport's service area, offering insight into which communities benefit from proximity to air transportation and where potential access gaps exist in Illinois's transportation network.