TL;DR: Illinois is home to three major active-duty military installations — Naval Station Great Lakes, Scott Air Force Base, and Rock Island Arsenal — plus several key Reserve and National Guard sites. Whether you’re headed to the shores of Lake Michigan or the metro-east suburbs of St. Louis, Illinois delivers affordable Midwest living, strong community support, and access to major cities.
If your PCS orders are sending you to the Prairie State, you’re in good company. Illinois has been home to some of the most mission-critical installations in the Department of Defense for well over a century. Every Navy enlisted recruit in the country trains here. From a base just outside St. Louis, the Air Force coordinates global airlift and logistics. Additionally, the Army runs its only active foundry and a massive multi-command logistics hub in the heart of the Midwest.
Illinois isn’t a state you typically see at the top of a dream-sheet. However, families who’ve served here will tell you: it surprises you. The cost of living is genuinely affordable, the communities around each base are tight-knit and military-savvy, and access to world-class cities like Chicago and St. Louis is always close at hand.
Approximately 20,000 active-duty service members are stationed in Illinois, with tens of thousands more Guard and Reserve members and over 700,000 veterans calling the state home. Combined, Illinois’s military community punches well above its weight for a landlocked Midwest state.
Start your free PCS Plan to get a personalized relocation roadmap built with a military-connected Ambassador who knows your next duty station inside and out.
Naval Station Great Lakes — the Navy’s only boot camp
If you’re checking into Naval Station Great Lakes, you’re arriving at one of the most historically significant military installations in the country. Located in North Chicago, Illinois — about 40 miles north of downtown Chicago on the western shore of Lake Michigan — Naval Station Great Lakes has been the backbone of Navy enlisted training since 1911.
This is the U.S. Navy’s only Recruit Training Command — and it’s not a small operation. More than 38,000 recruits pass through every year. That makes it the busiest enlisted training station in any branch of the military. The base sits on over 1,600 acres and includes 1,153 buildings. Notably, 39 of those buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Architecturally, the installation is stunning — it doesn’t look like most bases.
Beyond boot camp, Great Lakes is home to the Navy’s Service School Command. This command provides advanced technical training across dozens of ratings and specialties. For example, if your sailor is attending “A” school or “C” school after boot camp, there’s a good chance their orders eventually point back here.
For families, the big question is: what’s life like here long-term? The answer depends entirely on where you land in the local housing market.
Housing near Naval Station Great Lakes
On-base neighborhoods
On-base housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities. Six neighborhoods are available, ranging from 2-bedroom to 5-bedroom homes based on rank and family size. Some communities sit on the installation; others are off-installation but managed by the same provider:
- Forrestal Village — located on the installation grounds, offers 2-4 bedroom homes, includes a youth center, child development center, and NEX Mini Mart
- Nimitz Village — a popular neighborhood just minutes from the gates, with single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes; serves all ranks
- Halsey Village — modern single-family homes with garages and private yards, popular with officers
- Fort Sheridan — a historic waterfront community in Highland Park Township, about 20 minutes from base; exclusive to military families, newly renovated
- Glenview Village — centrally located, 2-bedroom townhomes with garages, quick commutes in multiple directions
Off-base neighborhoods
For off-base living, the northern Chicago suburbs offer a wide range of options. However, the cost of living is meaningfully higher here than at Scott AFB or Rock Island. Factor that into your budget before signing a lease.
- North Chicago — closest to the gates, 5-10 minutes, most affordable; practical but no-frills
- Waukegan — 10-15 minutes, mix of older neighborhoods and newer development, moderately priced
- Gurnee — 20-25 minutes, family-friendly with excellent schools, newer homes, and major retail; Six Flags Great America is here
- Libertyville — 15-20 minutes, highly sought-after neighborhood, top-rated schools, larger homes
- Lake Bluff / Lake Forest — 10-15 minutes, higher-end suburbs with excellent schools, but housing costs climb significantly
A 3-bedroom rental near the base runs approximately $1,600–$2,900/month depending on neighborhood. Use the 2026 BAH rates guide to verify your specific allowance before committing to a budget.
Schools at Naval Station Great Lakes
There are no schools located on the installation itself. Illinois law requires students to live within the boundaries of the school district they attend, so your housing choice directly shapes your school options. Families should coordinate their neighborhood search with their school research.
- On-base neighborhoods (Great Lakes) are zoned for North Chicago Community Unit School District 187, which serves a large military-dependent population — about one-third of enrolled students are military kids
- Forrestal Village families also attend North Chicago District 187
- Fort Sheridan and Highland Park-area housing falls under North Shore School District 112 or Highland Park High School District 113, which are highly regarded academically
The School Liaison Officer at Naval Station Great Lakes can be reached at (847) 688-5700. This is a valuable first call for families navigating school registration, transfers, and Interstate Compact requirements. DoDEA does not operate schools at this installation, so all children attend local public schools.
Medical and services
Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes provides primary care, dental, pharmacy, and occupational medicine for active-duty personnel and their families. For specialty care and more complex needs, families are referred through TRICARE to civilian network providers in the Lake County and Chicago metro areas. You can use the TRICARE provider locator to find in-network options near your zip code.
Beyond medical care, the base offers a commissary, Navy Exchange, fitness centers, bowling center, and child development centers, along with a full suite of MWR facilities.
What to know about living near Great Lakes
Chicago is genuinely close
The Metra commuter rail stops in North Chicago. As a result, downtown Chicago is accessible without a car. Families who want city access can have it — museums, professional sports, restaurants, and Lake Michigan beaches are all within reach. The Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks are practically neighbors.
The winters are real
Lake Michigan lake-effect snow is not just a saying. North Chicago winters bring cold, wind, and meaningful snowfall from November through March. If you’re coming from the South or West Coast, invest in a solid coat, boots, and an ice scraper before December. Additionally, budget extra for heating costs during the coldest months.
Get on housing wait lists early
Summer is heavy with incoming recruits and PCS transfers. Consequently, wait times for on-base neighborhoods can stretch during peak season. Get on the wait list as early as possible. The Housing Service Center is at Building 8100, 1710 Cavin Drive, Great Lakes, IL 60088; phone (847) 688-3440.
Operational tempo is high
Great Lakes is a training command, so the pace is relentless. Boot camp never stops running. If your sailor is an instructor or training cadre, expect demanding schedules and long days. However, the base’s MWR programs and family support services are well-resourced to help families manage that tempo.
Connect with the Naval Station Great Lakes PCS Pay-It-Forward® group for housing recommendations, school advice, and community connections before you arrive.
Ready to map out your Illinois PCS?
Illinois has a lot more to offer than most people expect, and the right planning makes all the difference. Whether you’re sorting out neighborhoods near Great Lakes, figuring out the best side of Belleville for Scott, or comparing Quad Cities communities around Rock Island, a free PCS Plan gives you a personalized roadmap built with a military-connected Ambassador. Save yourself hours of guesswork — start here.
Scott Air Force Base — where global logistics lives
Scott Air Force Base, located in Shiloh, Illinois — in the Metro-East region of suburban St. Louis — is arguably the most globally consequential installation in the Department of Defense that most people have never heard of.
This is the home of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). USTRANSCOM is the combatant command responsible for coordinating all military transportation, deployment, and distribution worldwide. Every American troop that moves, every piece of equipment that deploys — USTRANSCOM at Scott AFB is the nerve center. The base is also headquarters for Air Mobility Command (AMC), which operates the entire Air Force airlift and air refueling fleet. Additionally, the 618th Air Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) manages global air mobility operations 24/7.
Flying transport, medical evacuation, and VIP airlift missions, the host unit is the 375th Air Mobility Wing. Also flying from Scott are the 932nd Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve) and the 126th Air Refueling Wing (Illinois Air National Guard), making it a true joint installation.
Founded in 1917 and named after Corporal Frank S. Scott — the first enlisted pilot killed in a military aircraft crash — Scott AFB has operated continuously for over a century. Today, more than 12,000 military and civilian personnel work here.
Housing near Scott AFB
On-base housing
On-base housing is managed by Hunt Military Communities at (618) 746-4911. The installation has approximately 1,595 homes across six neighborhoods, including single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Notably, historic homes on Scott are available to both enlisted and officer families — not just officers. That’s unusual and worth knowing. For single airmen E1–E4 with less than 3 years of service, contact the Unaccompanied Housing Office at (618) 256-3646/3645.
The Housing Management Office (HMO) should be your first contact when you receive orders. Reach them at (618) 744-9880/9882.
Off-base neighborhoods
The Metro-East region of Illinois is genuinely affordable by national military standards. St. Louis is 15-20 minutes away, Cardinal games are accessible on weekends, and housing costs are a fraction of what you’d pay near coastal duty stations. The 2026 BAH at Scott AFB increased approximately 5.9% from 2025. Popular neighborhoods include:
- O’Fallon — consistently rated the top pick for Scott families; excellent schools, new housing developments, military-friendly community, 10 minutes to the gate
- Mascoutah — directly south of base, small-town feel, tight-knit, excellent schools, one of the shortest commutes available
- Belleville — historic city with character, more affordable housing, larger homes, a great fit for families who want space and don’t mind a slightly longer drive
- Shiloh / Swansea — right at the base perimeter, great for commute, family-friendly suburban feel
- Collinsville — closer to the St. Louis side of the metro, easy highway access, dual-income families appreciate the location
- Edwardsville — farther north, known for outstanding schools, walkable downtown, and one of Illinois’s most desirable suburban communities; worth the slightly longer commute
Median home prices in the Metro-East area make this one of the best markets in the country for VA loan homeownership. As a result, families who buy near Scott AFB regularly build significant equity across a 3-year tour. Learn more about using your VA home loan at your next duty station.
Schools at Scott AFB
There are no DoDEA schools on the installation. Scott AFB children attend local Illinois public schools:
- On-base residents attend Scott Elementary School, Mascoutah Middle School, and Mascoutah High School — all three are well-regarded, with Mascoutah High School consistently above state averages in graduation rates and academic performance
- Off-base residents attend schools within their neighborhood’s district; O’Fallon and Edwardsville both operate highly rated districts
- Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville is a solid community college resource for spouses pursuing degrees or certifications, with military-friendly tuition rates
Medical at Scott AFB
Scott Air Force Base Medical Center provides comprehensive primary care, specialty care, dental, pharmacy, mental health, and obstetrics/gynecology services to active-duty personnel and enrolled TRICARE beneficiaries. It’s a full hospital — not just a clinic — which is a meaningful quality-of-life advantage. The medical center phone is (618) 256-7600. Families not enrolled at the base hospital can access the TRICARE network of civilian providers across the St. Louis metro area.
What to know about living at Scott AFB
St. Louis is your backyard
The Gateway Arch, Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, and Forest Park are all within 20–30 minutes. Forest Park is one of the best free parks in the country. The City Museum and the St. Louis Zoo round out a great family lineup. Families who make the most of this assignment treat St. Louis like their city — because it basically is.
Summers are hot and humid
The Metro-East area gets genuine Midwest heat in July and August. Temperatures regularly hit the 90s, and humidity makes it feel hotter. Budget for air conditioning costs accordingly. However, the mild springs and falls more than compensate — they’re genuinely beautiful.
Cost of living is your friend
The Scott AFB area runs consistently below the national average for housing costs. As a result, families who buy here often find their BAH covers the mortgage with room to spare. The VA loan benefit is extremely powerful in this market. In addition, groceries, utilities, and dining are all more affordable than at coastal installations.
Community is strong
Scott AFB has a reputation for being a welcoming, family-oriented installation. The Airman & Family Readiness Center, Child Development Center, and robust MWR programs make it easy to connect and get settled quickly.
Connect with the Scott AFB PCS Pay-It-Forward® group to get housing recommendations and real talk from families already living it.
Rock Island Arsenal — the Army’s manufacturing and logistics powerhouse
Rock Island Arsenal sits on a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River — technically Arsenal Island — between Rock Island and Milan, Illinois, directly across from Davenport, Iowa. It’s one of the most historically significant Army installations in the country. Moreover, it’s one of a kind: Rock Island Arsenal is the only active U.S. Army foundry, producing weapons systems and equipment that support troops across the globe.
Established in 1862 as a Union Army ordnance facility during the Civil War, the Arsenal has operated continuously for over 160 years. The island’s stone buildings and carefully maintained grounds give it a character you won’t find at most modern installations. In fact, it’s a working National Historic Landmark.
What’s at Rock Island Arsenal
The number of organizations operating from Rock Island is remarkable for an installation of its size. Major commands and organizations include:
- Army Sustainment Command — oversees Army logistics worldwide
- Army Contracting Command–Rock Island — manages acquisition and contracts
- Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District
- First Army — trains Army Reserve and National Guard units for deployment
- Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC) — the active foundry and manufacturing hub
- Joint Munitions Command — coordinates munitions production and storage across the DoD
- Development Command Armaments Center and Chemical Biological Center — research and development
- Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
- Network Enterprise Center
- Tenants from the Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and Illinois Army National Guard also operate on the island
The joint nature of Rock Island makes it an unusually interesting assignment. You’re likely to interact with members of multiple services, DoD civilians, and contractors across a wide range of missions.
Housing near Rock Island Arsenal
The Arsenal itself offers very limited on-base family housing, so the majority of personnel live in the surrounding Quad Cities area — which includes Rock Island and Moline, Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa. This is a metropolitan area of approximately 500,000 people with a genuinely affordable cost of living.
BAH for Rock Island reflects the Quad Cities market, which is notably lower than the national average. An E-5 with dependents can expect roughly $1,650–$1,800/month in BAH (2025–2026 range). However, that’s actually good news here. Housing costs are low enough that BAH generally covers a solid 3-bedroom home, and VA loan purchasing power is strong.
Popular areas for military families include:
– Milan, Illinois — directly south of the Arsenal on the Illinois side, quiet and affordable
– Moline — close to the island bridges, suburban feel, easy commute
– Rock Island (city) — surrounding the island, more urban, variety of housing types
– Bettendorf, Iowa — across the bridge, often cited for better school ratings
– Davenport, Iowa — the largest city in the Quad Cities, wide variety of housing
The Rock Island Arsenal Housing Services Office can be reached through the installation’s main website at home.army.mil/ria.
Schools near Rock Island Arsenal
Students near the Arsenal attend local public schools across the Quad Cities area, split between Illinois and Iowa school districts depending on where families live. Families who live on the Iowa side tend to have access to higher-rated school districts. The School Liaison Officer at Rock Island Arsenal can help with registration, Interstate Compact processes, and district comparisons.
What to know about living near Rock Island
It’s a joint civilian-military environment
More than 6,000 Department of Army civilians work at Rock Island alongside active-duty military. The Army-to-civilian ratio is unlike most installations. As a result, military families will find the community more civically integrated than at a typical active-duty post.
The Quad Cities are underrated
The Mississippi River is genuinely scenic here. The area offers a strong arts scene, college athletics, riverfront parks and trails, and affordable dining. For example, the University of Iowa is about 70 miles away for weekend visits. Overall, it’s a well-rounded metro that surprises most newcomers.
Iowa side vs. Illinois side matters
This is a real consideration for families at Rock Island. Iowa has a different income tax structure than Illinois. Additionally, school district quality ratings differ across the river. It’s worth researching both sides before committing to a lease or purchase.
The foundry mission creates unique career paths
For Army logistics, manufacturing, and sustainment officers and NCOs, Rock Island is one of the most career-relevant assignments available. The breadth of organizations here creates exposure to contracting, sustainment, and joint operations that’s hard to find elsewhere. Furthermore, civilian career opportunities on the Arsenal are extensive for transitioning service members.
Find your base guide for Rock Island Arsenal to get more installation-specific details.
Illinois Reserve and National Guard installations
Illinois has a significant Reserve and National Guard footprint. This is worth knowing, particularly if your orders include duty with or around these organizations.
Springfield Air National Guard Base
Springfield Air National Guard Base is home to the 183rd Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard. The wing operates out of Capital Airport in Springfield. It flies combat and air support missions. Additionally, the Springfield community offers a genuinely affordable lifestyle in the state capital.
Peoria Air National Guard Base
Peoria Air National Guard Base hosts the 182nd Airlift Wing, flying the C-130H Hercules on airlift, airdrop, and aerial spraying missions. It’s a mid-sized Midwestern city with a low cost of living and a strong manufacturing economy. For families, it offers solid schools and a tight-knit community feel.
85th Support Command
The 85th Support Command is headquartered at Arlington Heights, Illinois — a Chicago suburb. It provides command and control for Army Reserve units across the region. Moreover, several Army Reserve centers are spread throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. For Guard and Reserve members called to federal active duty or attending annual training, these installations are important touchpoints across the state.
What to know about living in Illinois as a military family
Illinois has a state income tax — but military retirement is exempt
Unlike Florida or Texas, Illinois levies a flat 4.95% state income tax on income. However, Illinois does not tax military retirement pay. That’s a meaningful benefit for transitioning or retired service members who establish Illinois residency. Additionally, military spouses who share the same state of legal residence as their active-duty service member may be exempt from Illinois income taxes on wages earned in Illinois. This falls under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act.
Winter preparedness is non-negotiable
Illinois winters are real, regardless of which base you’re headed to. The northern part of the state — the Lake Michigan shoreline and Chicago area — gets serious lake-effect snow from November through March. Even in the Metro-East (southern Illinois), temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Consequently, budget for winter gear, a reliable vehicle with all-season tires, and elevated utility bills during cold months.
Military spouse employment
Illinois participates in military spouse licensing reciprocity for many professions. This helps spouses with licenses in healthcare, education, and other regulated fields. The Chicago metro area offers one of the most diverse job markets in the Midwest. For families at Great Lakes, that’s a significant advantage. Similarly, the Metro-East and St. Louis market provides strong opportunities in healthcare, aerospace, logistics, and government contracting. The Airman & Family Readiness Center at Scott AFB and the Family Support Center at Naval Station Great Lakes both offer job fairs and resume support.
Chicago is a world-class city
For families stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, Chicago is genuinely accessible by Metra commuter rail from North Chicago. The Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park are all within reach. Professional sports span five leagues. In short, families who make the most of the Great Lakes assignment use Chicago like their backyard. It’s not hype — it’s a real quality-of-life advantage.
Midwest affordability is real
Neither Scott AFB nor Rock Island Arsenal is a high-cost duty station. Costs in the Metro-East region near Scott run below the national average in almost every category. Likewise, the Quad Cities near Rock Island are similarly affordable. As a result, VA loan homeownership is realistic at both installations. Many families build meaningful equity in a single three-year tour.
Use your VA home loan in Illinois
Illinois offers some of the most VA-loan-friendly markets for active-duty and veteran homebuyers. In the Metro-East region near Scott AFB, median home prices are well below the VA conforming loan limit — meaning no down payment and no jumbo loan complications for most buyers. Similarly, the Quad Cities near Rock Island are very affordable.
Although the northern Chicago suburbs near Great Lakes are pricier, the right BAH rate and a smart neighborhood choice can still make buying work — especially for O-3s and above with higher housing allowances.
Whether you’re buying near Eglin, investing near MacDill — or, in this case, buying near Scott or along the Rock Island waterfront — understanding your VA loan options early gives you a real advantage. Learn how your VA home loan works →
Illinois veteran and military family benefits
State income tax treatment of military pay
Illinois levies a flat 4.95% state income tax on most income. Here’s how it applies to military families:
- Active duty base pay: Subject to Illinois income tax for service members who are legal residents of Illinois (including when stationed in Illinois)
- Military retirement pay: Fully exempt from Illinois state income tax — this is a significant benefit for retirees and transitioning service members who establish Illinois residency
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments: Exempt from state income tax
- Military disability retirement pay: Exempt under Illinois’s exemption for government disability plans
- Military spouse wages: A nonresident spouse who shares the same state of domicile as a nonresident service member stationed in Illinois may be exempt from Illinois income taxes on wages earned in Illinois under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act
Property tax exemptions for veterans
Illinois offers several property tax relief programs for veterans and their families:
Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD)
This is the main property tax benefit for disabled Illinois veterans. The exemption amount scales with disability rating:
– 30%–49% disability: $2,500 reduction in Equalized Assessed Value (EAV)
– 50%–69% disability: $5,000 reduction in EAV
– 70% or higher disability: First $250,000 of EAV is fully exempt — effectively eliminating property taxes for most disabled veterans
Must be renewed annually. Surviving spouses can continue or transfer the exemption to a new primary residence (one transfer allowed).
Specially Adapted Housing Exemption
Up to $100,000 reduction in assessed value for veterans who used federal funds (VA grants) to purchase or construct specially adapted housing. Also applies to housing donated by charitable organizations for qualifying veterans.
Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption (RVHE)
Service members returning from a deployment to an armed conflict receive a $5,000 reduction in EAV on their primary residence. This applies for two consecutive tax years — the year of return and the following year.
Note on Cook County: Veterans with 70%+ disability in Cook County (Chicago and suburbs) receive an EAV reduction of $250,000, which effectively eliminates property taxes on most primary residences in that county.
Education benefits
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) — Waives tuition and fees at all Illinois public universities and community colleges for eligible veterans. Requirements include Illinois residency, an honorable discharge, and at least one year of active federal service. This is one of the most generous state education benefits in the Midwest.
Illinois National Guard Grant Program — Waives tuition and fees at Illinois public institutions for Illinois National Guard members who are enrolled in at least 3 credit hours and are in good academic standing.
Dependents of Deceased/Disabled Veterans Grant — Provides an annual $250 educational grant for children (ages 10–18) and spouses of veterans who are 100% disabled or died from service-connected causes.
In-state tuition — Veterans who move to Illinois qualify for in-state tuition rates at public universities and community colleges, regardless of how recently they established residency.
Additional veteran benefits
Employment preference — Illinois provides veterans’ preference in state civil service hiring. Veterans with honorable discharges receive additional points on civil service examinations.
Hunting and fishing licenses — Illinois offers free fishing licenses and reduced-cost hunting licenses for disabled veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.
State veterans’ homes — Illinois operates three veterans’ homes (Anna, Manteno, and Quincy) that provide long-term care for eligible veterans.
Vehicle license plates — Illinois offers specialized license plates for veterans, disabled veterans, and Medal of Honor recipients, with various fee waiver provisions.
Plan your Illinois PCS with confidence
No matter which Illinois installation is on your orders, a smooth PCS starts with a plan. Our PCS Plan connects you with a vetted, military-connected Ambassador who will help you navigate housing, neighborhoods, schools, and timing — all personalized to your family’s needs. It’s free, and it’s built by families who’ve made these exact moves.
Additional PCS resources:
- Find your base guide — 115+ installation guides with real family insights
- 2026 BAH rates — look up your housing allowance by zip code
- VA home loan guide — use your benefit at your next duty station
- DITY/PPM move guide — understand your self-move options and weight allowances
- PCS tax write-offs — deductions you might be missing
- Military moving tips — hard-earned advice from families who’ve been there
- PCS binder checklist — stay organized from orders to unpacking
Frequently asked questions about military bases in Illinois
How many military bases are in Illinois?
Illinois has three major active-duty military installations: Naval Station Great Lakes (Navy), Scott Air Force Base (Air Force), and Rock Island Arsenal (Army). Beyond those, the state is also home to the Springfield Air National Guard Base (183rd Wing), the Peoria Air National Guard Base (182nd Airlift Wing), and multiple Army Reserve centers. These are primarily concentrated in the Chicago suburbs and near Rock Island. The exact count depends on whether you include smaller training facilities, Reserve centers, and support annexes.
What is the largest military installation in Illinois?
Naval Station Great Lakes, located in North Chicago, is the largest military installation in Illinois by personnel and activity. It covers over 1,600 acres and processes more than 38,000 Navy recruits each year as the service’s only Recruit Training Command. Scott Air Force Base, on the other hand, is the most strategically significant in terms of command authority. It is home to both U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and Air Mobility Command (AMC).
What is Scott Air Force Base known for?
Scott AFB is the home of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), which coordinates all military transportation, deployment, and global logistics for the entire Department of Defense. It is also headquarters for Air Mobility Command (AMC), which manages Air Force airlift and air refueling operations worldwide. Additionally, the base is located in Shiloh, Illinois, in the Metro-East region just east of St. Louis, Missouri.
Does Illinois tax military pay?
Illinois levies a flat 4.95% state income tax. Active duty base pay is generally subject to Illinois income tax for service members who are legal residents of Illinois. However, Illinois fully exempts military retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments from state income tax. Military spouses who share the same state of legal domicile as a nonresident service member stationed in Illinois may also qualify for an exemption under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act.
What are the best neighborhoods to live near Scott AFB?
O’Fallon and Mascoutah consistently rank as the top picks for Scott AFB families. With top-rated schools, new housing developments, and a 10-minute commute, O’Fallon is the most popular choice. Mascoutah is even closer to the gate, with a small-town feel and excellent schools. Belleville offers more affordable housing with historic character, while Edwardsville is worth the longer commute for its outstanding schools and walkable downtown.
What are the best neighborhoods near Naval Station Great Lakes?
For proximity and affordability, North Chicago and Waukegan offer the shortest commutes. Gurnee is a popular choice for families who want newer homes and top-rated schools, about 20-25 minutes from base. Libertyville is highly sought after for its schools and strong community feel. Lake Bluff and Lake Forest offer excellent schools and lakefront access but come at a higher price point. Furthermore, Fort Sheridan military housing in Highland Park is a newer community that many families love for its location and amenities.
Does Illinois offer property tax relief for disabled veterans?
Yes. Illinois’s Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities (SHEVD) provides a $2,500 EAV reduction for 30–49% disability, a $5,000 reduction for 50–69% disability, and a full exemption on the first $250,000 of EAV for veterans with 70% or higher disability ratings. This must be renewed annually. In addition, returning veterans qualify for a $5,000 EAV reduction for two years following return from armed conflict deployment.
What is Rock Island Arsenal’s primary mission?
Rock Island Arsenal serves multiple functions. It is the U.S. Army’s only active foundry, manufacturing weapons components and equipment. It is also headquarters for Army Sustainment Command, Army Contracting Command–Rock Island, Joint Munitions Command, First Army, and a number of other joint and Army organizations. Specifically, the arsenal operates the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, which produces parts for systems including the M1A1 Abrams tank.
Can I use my VA home loan in Illinois?
Absolutely. Illinois — particularly the Metro-East area near Scott AFB and the Quad Cities near Rock Island Arsenal — offers some of the most VA-loan-friendly markets in the country. Median home prices in both areas are well within VA conforming loan limits, meaning zero down payment and no PMI for most buyers. Although the northern Chicago suburbs near Great Lakes are pricier, higher BAH rates for that area help offset the difference. Start by exploring your options on the VA home loan guide.
What is the Illinois Veteran Grant?
The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) waives tuition and fees at all Illinois public universities and community colleges for eligible veterans. To qualify, a veteran generally needs Illinois residency, an honorable discharge, and at least one year of active federal service. Consequently, this is one of the most generous state-level education benefits for veterans in the Midwest.
Key takeaways
Illinois may not top the PCS dream-sheet, but it delivers on the things that matter most to military families: affordability, community, and mission significance.
Naval Station Great Lakes is one of the most historically and operationally important Navy installations in the country — every enlisted sailor begins their career in the Navy here, and the Chicago area offers world-class access to one of America’s greatest cities. Scott Air Force Base, sitting in the affordable Metro-East suburbs of St. Louis, is the command hub for global military logistics and one of the most family-friendly Air Force assignments for families who want their BAH to go further than expected. Rock Island Arsenal stands alone as the Army’s only active foundry — a joint, mission-rich environment on the Mississippi River surrounded by the practical, affordable livability of the Quad Cities.
The financial picture for Illinois is nuanced. Unlike Florida or Texas, the state does have an income tax — but military retirement pay is fully exempt, and property tax relief for disabled veterans can eliminate property taxes entirely for veterans with higher disability ratings. Combined with below-average housing costs at Scott and Rock Island, the overall financial picture is favorable for most families.
Whether your orders say Great Lakes, Scott, or Rock Island, start your move right with a free PCS Plan. Connect with families who’ve already walked the path you’re about to take. That’s what PCS Pay It Forward is all about.
