Gov. Pritzker Announces Increased Illinois Census Numbers Following
State Request for Review
2020 Census determined to have omitted over 45,000
residents in group homes, residence halls
Send a link to a friend
[January 04, 2024]
Chicago—Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the
United States Census Bureau has approved the state’s request to have
nearly 47,000 Illinoisans included in future population estimates. The
review, which was requested following findings of inaccurately low
counts in certain areas, ensures the state will receive a proportionate
share of the $675 billion in annual funds distributed to states each
year.
“I’m pleased that the Census Bureau has recognized the undercounting
that I and many members of Illinois’ Congressional Delegation have
worked to remedy since the 2020 census results were first released,”
said Governor JB Pritzker. “This correction will bring in millions in
additional federal funding for crucial programs and help to ensure
future counts reflect the true number of Illinois residents. I’m
grateful to the NORC at the University of Chicago for their work on this
appeal and all who helped make this decision possible.”
“The census is about resources and representation. Everyone deserves to
be seen and heard and our communities deserve the resources they're
due,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “From rural to urban
communities, this correction will allow us to expand those services.
Thank you to everyone who made this appeal possible.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Jan/04/images/ads/current/atlantabank_lda_LUAL_2023.png)
[to top of second column]
|
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Jan/04/images/ads/current/fcs_funeral_lda_border_04029022.png)
Following the release of initial census results in 2020, a Census
Bureau survey designed to estimate overcount and undercount rates
within states revealed that Illinois had in fact gained population
in the prior decade contrary to reported population declines.
Governor Pritzker, alongside members of the Illinois Congressional
Delegation, called repeatedly for the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure
that Illinois receives its fair share of federal funding reflective
of the updated, accurate numbers that show Illinois is growing. In
September of this year, the state requested an official Post-Census
Group Quarters Review (PCGQR) to account for inaccuracies in census
data, which was granted this week.
The review found that 733 Group Quarters were missed or undercounted
in the 2020 Census Group Quarters Operation, along with a
corresponding population of 46,400 people. The PCGQR submitted by
the state identified 40,512 people residing in group quarter
facilities such as care homes or senior living facilities who were
missed in initial counts. The state also identified 123 dormitory
settings where the population was undercounted for an additional
5,888 people.
Although the 46,400 identified people will not be added Illinois’s
official 2020 census numbers, the adjustment is crucial for the
state as annual population estimates are produced over the next six
years before the 2030 census. The updated group quarters population
is added to the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program where
they will be included in the baseline data used to produce upcoming
annual population estimates. Those figures are used when determining
the distribution of over $675 billion in state and federal programs.
The state will continue to challenge population undercounts and
plans to participate in additional opportunities for appeal and
review to make further adjustments to the state’s count. |