The United States is often split into different regions. However, the lines between these regions can sometimes be blurry. Some states exhibit traits of two different regions.
Determining the Midwestern state most similar to the Northeast requires considering a variety of different factors. One way to answer this complex question is by analyzing the data from the State Similarity Index. The index attempts to quantify how similar American states are to each other relative to other states, using a variety of statistics from five broad categories: demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography.
An analysis of the data clearly shows that Illinois is Midwestern state most similar to the Northeast region. On the other end of the spectrum, the data shows that North Dakota and South Dakota, are the least similar.
(Northeastern states defined as Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont)
Although Illinois does not border any states in the Northeast, it has a lot in common with the region. One big reason for this is Chicago, which is much more metropolitan and diverse than the rest of the Midwest. Therefore, the demographics, politics, and infrastructure in Illinois are all similar to the Northeast.
Demographics
Due to Chicago, Illinois is the most racially and ethnically diverse state in the Midwest. It has substantial African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations. This diversity is similar to the Northeastern states, which also have a long history of immigration. Furthermore, Illinois is the Midwestern state with the highest percentage of Catholics and Jews. The Northeast region has a notably higher percentage of Catholics and Jews than the Midwest.
Illinois is also one of the most well educated states in the Midwest. A relatively high percentage of its people are college graduates. In general, the Northeast region has a higher percentage of college graduates than the rest of the county. In addition, it has the highest percentage of never married people, mirroring the Northeast region as well. Illinois and the Northeast region also have a high percentage of union members.
Politics
Illinois often aligns with the political attitudes of the Northeast, which tend to lean more liberal, in contrast to some other Midwestern states that lean more conservative. Cities like Chicago, in particular, have a history of electing progressive leaders and implementing policies in areas such as healthcare, education, and social services.
The Democratic Party has a strong presence in both Illinois and many Northeastern states. Democrats often hold the governorship and a majority in the state legislature in Illinois, similar to the political landscape in much of the Northeast. Illinois almost always votes for the same presidential candidates as Northeastern states.
Union-friendly policies are common in both Illinois and the Northeast. They also have implemented stricter gun control measures compared to many parts of the country. Furthermore, Illinois has several laws and policies that are favorable to immigrants, such as allowing undocumented immigrants to have driver’s licenses and in-state tuition rates.
Infrastructure
The transportation infrastructure in Illinois, particularly in and around Chicago, is more similar to the Northeast than other states in the Midwest. Chicago’s metro resembles the public transportation networks found in many Northeastern cities like New York’s MTA, Philadelphia’s SEPTA, and Boston’s MBTA.
Illinois, like many Northeastern states, places a strong emphasis on healthcare and education. Access to quality healthcare and well-funded education systems are policy priorities in both regions. They also have access to high-speed internet and broadband services, with urban areas in both regions benefiting from robust connectivity.
Due to Chicago’s presence, Illinois has the lowest percentage of single family homes in the Midwest. However, most Northeastern states have an even lower percentage. The infrastructure in Illinois also tends to be older than other states in the Midwest, since it developed earlier.
