Illinois, a large and predominantly urban state, is growing very slowly. It has not done well in creating new jobs; manufacturing jobs declined more and service jobs increased less than nationwide. The state is, however, a national leader in beef, hog, and soybean production. Chicago, in addition to being the financial capital of the Midwest, is…

Much of Indiana is sparsely populated and is concerned with agricultural activity; 70 percent of the state's population lives in its 13 metro areas. Partly because residents have done well without high levels of education, a small proportion of adults possess college degrees. Currently, many new jobs in Indiana are at the low end of services that…