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Using the latest data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, IPI
found that Chicago's population loss accounted for approximately
50% of the state’s total decline of 41,000 residents in 2023.
When calculating the total who moved out with 8,300 that moved
in to Illinois, the net decline is nearly 33,000. In addition to
Chicago, metro areas including Decatur, Springfield and
Bloomington-Normal showed big declines relative to the size of
their population.
Cook County experienced the nation’s second-largest county
population drop, with more than 58,000 residents moving out of
the county. Some have decided to relocate to the suburbs, while
others left the state. Only Los Angeles County, California, had
more residents move.
“It is affecting every corner of the state,” said Bryce Hill,
director of Fiscal and Economic Research. “It’s not just a
Chicago problem, it’s not just a downstate problem, it’s
affecting communities across the state.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office says it will continue challenging
the state’s estimated population decline and, after requesting a
review, announced in January that the U.S. Census agreed it
missed or undercounted the 2020 Census for those living in group
facilities.
"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," Pritzker said in a statement.
Hill said the latest numbers are not an anomaly.
“Population decline is in its tenth consecutive year according
to Census Bureau estimates, so it’s been a growing trend,” said
Hill.
Hill said residents are leaving for states with lower taxation,
including Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin and Texas. According to
the data, of Illinoisans who leave the state, 97% moved to
lower-tax states in 2022.
“If lawmakers don’t take steps to reduce the crippling burden of
taxes on residents, people will likely continue to leave
Illinois as they have done for the past decade,” said Hill.
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