Suburban County Ranks No. 1 in Nation for Highest Income Potential

Depending on which of the two largest counties in Illinois a child grows up in, he or she either could have the best or worst prospects for income mobility and earnings potential, according to a New York Times analysis of a study published by Harvard economists.

The study looks at what a child of a particular gender or income level potentially could make at age 26 and how that outcome varies based on where the child lives. Harvard economists say a child’s ability to improve economic prospects as an adult can be predicted based on where he or she grows up.

Out of the nation’s 100 largest counties, this suburban county in Illinois ranked No. 1 for highest percentage of earnings gains. Yet, just miles away, you’ll find one of the worst in the U.S. in terms of earnings loss.

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