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What is an “Underserved Area”?

For projects located in an “Underserved Area,” companies may receive an additional 25% of Illinois payroll withholding.

  • Tax credits for new jobs: increases from 50% to 75%
  • Tax redits for retained jobs: increases from 25% to 50%

Find out if a location is in an “Underserved Area.” 

If any one of the following criteria are met, it is in an “Underserved Area”:

  • Poverty rate of at least 20%; or
  • 35% or more of the families with children in the area are living below 130% of the poverty line, according to the latest American Community Survey; or
  • At least 20% of the households in the area receive assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or 
  • Average unemployment rate that is more than 120% of the national unemployment average, for a period of at least two consecutive calendar years preceding the date of the application.