Illinois Ranks 9th Best State for Disabled Veterans in 2025

Ranking America's Best States for Disabled Veterans

Illinois is shining brightly on the national stage, earning the 9th spot among the best states for disabled veterans in SmileHub’s 2025 ranking. And that’s a reason to celebrate! The study evaluated all 50 states using a mix of 22 metrics across three major categories: Health & Rehabilitation Access, Infrastructure & Community Support, and Economic Stability & Long-Term Security.

Illinois’ Strengths in the 2025 Ranking

Let’s break down how Illinois earned a top ten ranking and what that means for veterans across the state. Illinois had a particularly strong score in Economic Stability & Long-Term Security, ranking 4th in the nation. Illinois ranked in the top half of the country (20^th) in the Health & Rehabilitation Access category. And Illinois certainly has room to improve in the Infrastructure & Community Support category, with a 31^st ranking.

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What This Means for Disabled Veterans in Illinois

In everyday terms, it’s great news for disabled veterans. From access to quality care and rehabilitation services to solid community support networks and financial programs, Illinois is building a framework that truly respects and uplifts those who have served.

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While there’s always room for growth – after all, being #9 means Illinois is in the top tier, but not quite at the very top – the strides it has made are impressive. Whether you’re a veteran yourself or you know someone who is, this ranking speaks volumes: Illinois is a state that values its disabled veterans and backs that up with real results.

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The results were not nearly as favorable for Indiana, which barely avoided the bottom ten with a ranking of 40^th in the country. Kentucky scored better, but with a 28^th ranking, is still slightly in the bottom half.

Check out the FULL REPORT to see all of the data your heart (and brain) desires.

Illinois Town Will Make You Feel Like You are in the Movie HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS

Remember the 80s classic "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids"? What's it like to feel like a tiny ant looking up at the giant world around you? There's a small town only two hours from the tri-state that is home to over 20 giant items. Being surrounded by them definitely gives you the perspective of an itty bitty bug.

Lacey Marsh and her family visited the small town during spring break this year and shared her photos with us. She said, "It's a really neat place! And people were very friendly."

For more on the attractions at Casey, IL, visit the website bigthingssmalltown.com.

Gallery Credit: BOBBY G

20 Hidden Gem Spots from Across Illinois You Should See

Illinois is home to a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Parks, historic sites, roadside attractions, boutique hotels, and more. Go discover.

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon

Source: Report Ranks Illinois a Top 10 Best State for Disabled Veterans in 2025

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