Illinois Senior Living Options & Resources

Senior Living in Illinois: What You Need to Know

Illinois is home to 2,101,833 seniors aged 65 and older, representing 16.6% of the state's 12.7 million residents. With a median age of 38.9 and a median household income of $81,702, the Land of Lincoln offers diverse senior living options across urban centers, suburban enclaves, and smaller communities. The state's 181 senior living communities span 56 cities, providing assisted living, memory care, independent living, and skilled nursing services tailored to varying needs and budgets.

The greatest concentration of senior living communities is found in the Chicago metropolitan area, which accounts for a significant portion of Illinois's options. Chicago alone hosts 36 communities, while surrounding suburbs like Naperville, Vernon Hills, Glen Ellyn, Lincolnwood, and Arlington Heights collectively add dozens more. Central Illinois cities including Springfield and Peoria offer additional choices, while communities in Belleville and Effingham serve residents in the southern and eastern regions of the state.

Illinois's senior care costs align closely with national averages, with assisted living averaging $5,900 monthly and semi-private nursing home care costing $9,277 per month—matching the national benchmarks exactly. This pricing reflects the state's diverse economy and cost-of-living variations between the Chicago metro area and downstate regions. Illinois benefits from world-class healthcare infrastructure, including renowned medical centers like Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medical Center, alongside strong regional hospitals throughout the state.

The Illinois Department on Aging administers several programs supporting seniors, including Community Care Program services and Medicaid waivers that help eligible residents access home and community-based services. The state's four-season climate, rich cultural amenities, Big Ten university communities, and strong family networks make Illinois an attractive choice for retirees, particularly those who value proximity to major metropolitan resources alongside more affordable suburban and rural options.