Quality of Life Index (QOLI)

The Quality-of-Life Index (QOLI) is a statewide planning tool intended to determine areas of high livability within Illinois.  This census tract-based tool is carefully designed to bring awareness to the details that make communities strong and where communities can improve the quality of life for its residents.

For consistency and universal applicability of metrics, the QOLI has been built using publicly available data. Indicators of Quality of Life were thoroughly vetted via a multi-year long research process. Quality of Life indicators (indicators) were carefully selected based on their relationship with the livability of a community. Please see the Quality of Life Index Categories for a full explanation of the datasets used to develop this tool.

The index was structured on a 10-point scale so that it may fit more directly within our QAP point structure. Each category is assigned 2 points in the 10-point scale that can be broken down to reveal what categories a Census Tract is successful in and which it is not. In this way, the QOLI becomes a map to an affordable housing development’s need and fit in a community and the needs it will be filling.

For the 2024-2025 QAP, the QOLI score will be replacing the Opportunity Area score for a project under the Community Characteristics scoring section.

PLEASE NOTE: The Quality of Life Index (QOLI) has been updated as of November 13, 2024.  This update was procedural and related to the calculated formulas on two data components.  For the majority of Illinois Census Tracts, this update does not change the overall QOLI score.  However, if this change has impacted the Quality of Life Index score for any approved – but not funded – preliminary project assessments, IHDA will utilize the higher of the two possible QOLI scores for that census tract.  This change will ONLY be utilized during the lifecycle of the 2024-2025 QAP.  IHDA will reach out to all impacted existing PPAs and provide an updated QOLI score.  Per usual, all new PPA submittals will be provided an updated QOLI score with their approvals.

The QOLI score can be searched in two ways. First, an excel look-up tool can be found here. Or the QOLI score can be found by utilizing the map below. After searching a location on the map below, a pop-up window will show the overall Quality of Life Index score for that census tract, as well as how that overall score was achieved.

For a tutorial video of how to use the new QOLI mapping tool please CLICK HERE