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Illinois, a state rich in opportunity, remains a hub where determination and hard work can lead to a prosperous future. While residents across the Prairie State embody a strong work ethic, certain locales stand out for their exceptional dedication — these are the hardest working places in Illinois.
Leading the charge is Gilberts, celebrated as the hardest working community in Illinois. Its residents exemplify commitment, making every moment count, both on and off the clock.
Curious about where else people burn the midnight oil to achieve their goals? Here’s a list of areas where ambition thrives, making these places competitive for promotions and recognition:
- Gilberts
- Plainfield
- Long Grove
- Oswego
- Grayslake
- Campton Hills
- Lake Zurich
- Round Lake
- Sugar Grove
- Hoffman Estates
Let’s take a closer look at how we determined this ranking, highlighting the work ethic that sets these communities apart.
Methodology for Ranking Hardest Working Places in Illinois
At Zippia, we delve deep into the data to tackle challenging questions. For this ranking, we analyzed the most recent American Community Survey data to pinpoint which Illinois communities exhibit the strongest work ethic.
We focused on several key metrics:
- Average hours worked per week
- Average commute time
- Workers per household (employed labor force divided by the number of households)
- Labor force participation rate
- Percentage of adults with a college degree
This approach helps us identify communities where individuals are not only well-educated but also work long hours and endure lengthy commutes to meet their professional ambitions.
After ranking all 340 places in Illinois based on these criteria, we calculated an overall hardworking index, with the lowest index representing the hardest working community. In 2026, Gilberts has once again earned this distinguished title.
Below is a detailed chart that provides insight into why each locality is recognized for its hardworking spirit.
1. Gilberts
Population: 7,256 College Graduates: 42.3%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 40.8 Workers Per Household: 1.9
2. Plainfield
Population: 40,641 College Graduates: 48.8%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 40.0 Workers Per Household: 1.8
3. Long Grove
Population: 8,017 College Graduates: 66.4%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 41.4 Workers Per Household: 1.8
4. Oswego
Population: 31,723 College Graduates: 44.1%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.5 Workers Per Household: 1.7
5. Grayslake
Population: 20,863 College Graduates: 50.8%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 37.9 Workers Per Household: 1.6
6. Campton Hills
Population: 10,908 College Graduates: 53.6%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 39.0 Workers Per Household: 1.6
7. Lake Zurich
Population: 19,849 College Graduates: 53.9%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.8 Workers Per Household: 1.7
8. Round Lake
Population: 18,399 College Graduates: 37.2%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 39.9 Workers Per Household: 1.7
9. Sugar Grove
Population: 9,096 College Graduates: 38.0%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 40.1 Workers Per Household: 1.7
10. Hoffman Estates
Population: 52,271 College Graduates: 45.9%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.9 Workers Per Household: 1.7
Complete List of Illinois’ Hardest Working Places
| City | Rank |
|---|---|
| Gilberts | 1 |
| Plainfield | 2 |
| Long Grove | 3 |
| Oswego | 4 |
| Grayslake | 5 |
| Campton Hills | 6 |
| Lake Zurich | 7 |
| Round Lake | 8 |
| Sugar Grove | 9 |
| Hoffman Estates | 10 |
In conclusion, the dedication seen in these communities showcases the spirit of hard work that defines Illinois. As you explore career opportunities, consider the unique work culture in these areas.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
