Best for job growth

Towns include:  Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Goodings Grove, Joliet, New Lenox, Plainfield, Romeoville
Job growth (2000-2007): 35.90%

As gas prices continue to reach historic highs, the railroad industry is booming again, and Will County is reaping the benefits. After doubling the amount of industrial space available in the county, the shipping hub has become a central staging ground for importing and exporting, as goods change hands at the Burlington Northern Logistics Park.

And with at least three new shopping centers, a new Ikea opening and an intermodal rail and industrial park planned, the county expects to add more jobs overall than in any other Illinois area in the next few decades. --A.C.

NEXT: Sherburne County, MN