Driest Cities in Illinois

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Best Illinois Cities

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 4 topics from climate and air quality data.

Best Climate Cities
Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and clean air.
Cleanest Air Cities
Lowest pollution levels for healthy outdoor living.
Sunniest Cities
Most days of sunshine per year, with warm and dry climate.
Most Urban Cities
Densely populated city centers with the largest urban footprints.
Population & Density
Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense
Economy
Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Wages Cheapest Cost of Living
Housing
Highest Home Value Most Affordable Highest Rent Lowest Rent Highest Homeownership Newest Housing Lowest Property Tax
Demographics & Education
Most Educated Best Schools Most Graduate Degrees Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Most Veterans
Health & Safety
Safest Cities Highest Crime Healthiest Cities Lowest Smoking Best Doctor Access Best Dental Access
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities Cleanest Air Worst Air Quality
Quality of Life
Shortest Commute Most Work From Home
Civic & Politics
Most Republican Most Democratic
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Best Broadband Most EV Stations Most Libraries Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  United States  ·  Illinois

Driest Cities - Illinois

1 Long Grove 32.3"
2 Evanston 32.3"
3 Arlington Heights 32.3"
4 Palatine 32.3"
5 Skokie 32.3"
6 Mount Prospect 32.3"
7 Glenview 32.3"
8 Lake Forest 32.3"
9 Buffalo Grove 32.3"
10 Prospect Heights 32.3"
11 Wheeling 32.3"
12 Highwood 32.3"
13 Northbrook 32.3"
14 Highland Park 32.3"
15 Deerfield 32.3"
16 Northfield 32.3"
17 Wilmette 32.3"
18 Vernon Hills 32.3"
19 Morton Grove 32.3"
20 Lincolnshire 32.3"
21 Rolling Meadows 32.3"
22 Geneva 33.2"
23 Winfield 33.2"
24 Wheaton 33.2"
25 Warrenville 33.2"
26 Bartlett 33.2"
27 Carol Stream 33.2"
28 Hanover Park 33.2"
29 Glendale Heights 33.2"
30 St. Charles 33.2"
31 Campton Hills 33.2"
32 Batavia 33.2"
33 West Chicago 33.2"
34 Bloomingdale 33.2"
35 South Elgin 33.2"
36 Plano 33.8"
37 Sugar Grove 33.8"
38 Lake Holiday 33.8"
39 Oswego 33.8"
40 Sandwich 33.8"
41 Boulder Hill 33.8"
42 Montgomery 33.8"
43 Chicago 34.4"
44 Riverside 34.4"
45 Countryside 34.4"
46 Summit 34.4"
47 Posen 34.4"
48 Cicero 34.4"
49 Midlothian 34.4"
50 Lyons 34.4"
51 Oak Lawn 34.4"
52 Berwyn 34.4"
53 Oak Park 34.4"
54 Forest Park 34.4"
55 River Forest 34.4"
56 Broadview 34.4"
57 La Grange Park 34.4"
58 Hickory Hills 34.4"
59 Stickney 34.4"
60 Justice 34.4"
61 Palos Hills 34.4"
62 Maywood 34.4"
63 Western Springs 34.4"
64 Palos Heights 34.4"
65 Burbank 34.4"
66 Crestwood 34.4"
67 La Grange 34.4"
68 Calumet Park 34.4"
69 North Riverside 34.4"
70 Oak Forest 34.4"
71 Evergreen Park 34.4"
72 Chicago Ridge 34.4"
73 Riverdale 34.4"
74 Alsip 34.4"
75 Worth 34.4"
76 Westchester 34.4"
77 Brookfield 34.4"
78 Willowbrook 34.4"
79 Blue Island 34.4"
80 Bridgeview 34.4"
81 Waukegan 35.3"
82 Winthrop Harbor 35.3"
83 Grandwood Park 35.3"
84 Beach Park 35.3"
85 Park City 35.3"
86 Lake Bluff 35.3"
87 North Chicago 35.3"
88 Gurnee 35.3"
89 Libertyville 35.3"
90 Zion 35.3"
91 Charleston 36.0"
92 Beardstown 36.0"
93 Mattoon 36.0"
94 Decatur 36.4"
95 Gages Lake 36.4"
96 Mount Zion 36.4"
97 Grayslake 36.4"
98 Chillicothe 36.4"
99 Quincy 36.5"
100 Rochelle 36.6"

The driest cities in Illinois receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Long Grove receives just 32.3 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

  • 1. Long Grove gets just 32.3" of precipitation per year - less than many cities get in a single month.
  • 2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
  • 3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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