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How does Illinois measure up? States in Profile, published recently by U.S.
Data on Demand Inc. and State Policy Research Inc, provides a revealing
glimpse into the state of the states in scores of different categories, from life
expectancy to child death rates, from state school aid to number of students
using computers in schools. States in Profile provides both raw data and state
rankings, where available, permitting state-by-state comparisons.
So how does Illinois measure up? Well, if you're looking for longevity,
move to Hawaii where life expectancy is nearly four years longer than in
Illinois. On the other hand, Illinois ranks high (ninth) in personal income per
capita, though not if you're on welfare (31 states have higher welfare grants
as a percentage of personal income).
Here, in a special double-issue edition of "State Stix," is a snapshot of how
Illinois stacks up with neighboring states, with industrial cousins, with the best
and worst among the states, and with national averages.
Donald Sevener
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