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 Sunniest 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 Arlington Heights 32.3"

2 Des Plaines 32.3"

3 Mount Prospect 32.3"

4 Buffalo Grove 32.3"

5 Lincolnshire 32.3"

6 Park Ridge 32.3"

7 Wheeling 32.3"

8 Elk Grove Village 32.3"

9 Prospect Heights 32.3"

10 Vernon Hills 32.3"

11 Rockford 33.0"

12 Roselle 33.2"

13 Winfield 33.2"

14 Bloomingdale 33.2"

15 Bartlett 33.2"

16 Carol Stream 33.2"

17 Hanover Park 33.2"

18 Campton Hills 33.2"

19 St. Charles 33.2"

20 Geneva 33.2"

21 West Chicago 33.2"

22 South Elgin 33.2"

23 Elburn 33.8"

24 Sugar Grove 33.8"

25 Yorkville 33.8"

26 Peoria 33.9"

27 North Riverside 34.4"

28 Berwyn 34.4"

29 Brookfield 34.4"

30 Oak Park 34.4"

31 Riverside 34.4"

32 Forest Park 34.4"

33 Summit 34.4"

34 La Grange Park 34.4"

35 Stickney 34.4"

36 Lyons 34.4"

37 River Forest 34.4"

38 Broadview 34.4"

39 Westchester 34.4"

40 La Grange 34.4"

41 Maywood 34.4"

42 Beach Park 35.3"

43 Zion 35.3"

44 Winthrop Harbor 35.3"

45 Springfield 35.3"

46 Champaign 35.6"

47 Mount Zion 36.4"

48 Quincy 36.5"

49 Rochelle 36.6"

50 Dixon 36.6"

51 Lake Holiday 36.8"

52 Pontiac 37.0"

53 Johnsburg 37.0"

54 Volo 37.0"

55 Savoy 37.0"

56 McHenry 37.0"

57 Lakemoor 37.0"

58 Cary 37.0"

59 Island Lake 37.0"

60 East Moline 37.1"

61 Minooka 37.2"

62 Braidwood 37.2"

63 Coal City 37.2"

64 Channahon 37.2"

65 Machesney Park 37.2"

66 Rockton 37.2"

67 Roscoe 37.2"

68 South Beloit 37.2"

69 DeKalb 37.3"

70 Sycamore 37.3"

71 Plano 37.4"

72 Sandwich 37.4"

73 Morton 37.5"

74 Washington 37.5"

75 Eureka 37.5"

76 East Peoria 37.6"

77 Peoria Heights 37.6"

78 Bartonville 37.6"

79 Pekin 37.6"

80 Marengo 37.6"

81 Genoa 37.6"

82 Harvard 37.6"

83 Candlewick Lake 37.6"

84 Hampshire 37.6"

85 Belvidere 37.6"

86 Loves Park 37.6"

87 Canton 37.6"

88 Waukegan 37.7"

89 Lindenhurst 37.8"

90 Lake Villa 37.8"

91 Round Lake Beach 37.8"

92 Villa Park 37.9"

93 Wood Dale 37.9"

94 River Grove 37.9"

95 Northlake 37.9"

96 Harwood Heights 37.9"

97 Bellwood 37.9"

98 Franklin Park 37.9"

99 Melrose Park 37.9"

100 Elmwood Park 37.9"

The driest cities in Illinois receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Arlington Heights 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. Arlington Heights 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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