Illinois Market Intelligence Report (2025)

Top Businesses to Start in Illinois (2025)

We analyzed 466K+ verified business records to help you separate the hype from the hard numbers.

Top 5 Opportunities

FASTEST GROWTH SECTOR

Marketing Consulting Services

Growth: +400.0% • Saturation: 0.46 LQ

HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)

Growth: +183.3% • Saturation: 0.59 LQ

LOW COMPETITION GAP

Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners

Growth: +166.7% • Saturation: 0.76 LQ

HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Nail Salons

Growth: +160.0% • Saturation: 0.38 LQ

LOW COMPETITION GAP

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Growth: +150.0% • Saturation: 0.42 LQ

Census Records

Official Source

Volume Filtered

10+ Est. Minimum

100% Objective

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Validate Your Idea Locally

SELECT METRO AREA

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin

#1 VOL

The state's largest economic engine.

Population

9.4M

Active Biz

320K

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Fastest Growth

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Common Questions

What is the fastest growing business in Illinois?+

Currently, the Marketing Consulting Services sector is leading the state with a +400.0% 5-year growth rate across multiple metro markets.

What is the most profitable solo business?+

Based on Non-Employer Statistics, solo founders in the Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists sector report the highest average annual receipts at $132k.

What does the data say about Illinois's economy?+

The state is home to 466K active establishments across 12 major metro areas. The market shows strong growth in emerging sectors with opportunities in high-demand, low-saturation niches.