We have to not only be building for today but looking to the future for growth," Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens said.

Falling just outside the top town was inner-ring suburban Cicero, with a population of over 6,000 fewer residents than tenth-place Waukegan. Below is a look at the 10 largest cities in Illinois ...

The primary draws to southern Illinois are the outdoor recreation activities in Shawnee National Forest, including hiking, cycling, rock climbing and ziplining, as well as vineyards and wine trails.