Illinois Ranked High for Cheating—And It’s Not the Kind You Think

You know what's wild?  The sheer number of people who admit to cheating in life.  Like, not just on a partner—we're talking taxes, diets, and even work.

Basically, anywhere there's a chance to sneak by unnoticed, Illinois residents will find a way no matter the cost.  It's one of those things you kind of assume everyone mostly plays fair on, but this new data proves otherwise.

Read More: Rockford Elementary School Ranks Among Illinois’ Best for 2025 

Apparently, most people have cheated at something, whether it's fudging a few numbers on taxes, "accidentally" skipping part of a diet, or pretending to be busy at work when you're really scrolling TikTok (I'm guilty of this lol).  In fact, most common area we cheat in life are on diets, schoolwork, and store checkouts (even though the cameras are 100% watching you).

While some claim to "regret it", one in three people admit they have zero regrets.  Z. E. R. O.

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Illinois Ranked High for Cheating—And It’s Not the Kind You Think

Here's where it gets pretty juicy.  Illinoisans are some of the biggest culprits in the entire country.  According to ______________:

• 41% of Illinoisans have cheated on a partner (12th highest in the U.S.)

• 24% have cheated on their taxes (3rd highest in the U.S.)

• 51% have cheated at work (3rd highest in the U.S.)

• 80% have cheated on a diet (15th highest in the U.S.)

And yes, 84% think they cheat less than they used to.  I mean, progress is progress!

When examining more serious topics of cheating, we discovered Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida residents were the most likely to have cheated in a romantic relationship. Additionally, California, Kentucky, and Illinois residents are the most likely to admit they have cheated on their taxes. [solitairebliss]

Read More: Ouch! Illinois Ranked As 'Worst Place To Live' In America

It's funny to know how comfortable people really are these days with bending the rules.  Well, with a government shutdown, inflation, and not getting SNAP benefits, five finger discounts are looking pretty normal right now.  So, where does Illinois REALLY RANK among the most dishonest states?

Brace yourself... we landed at #5.  Not exactly an honor, but definitely a reflection that maybe... just maybe... we've all got a little rebel in us.  It builds character, period.  See the full ranking where every state landed on this cheating list here.