PRESS RELEASE from the
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE

CONTACT: Micky Horstman (312) 607-4977

Illinois reports population growth, buoyed by 112K international migrants 
The state curbed its population loss, adding an estimated 67,899 residents this year

CHICAGO (Dec. 19, 2024) – Illinois ended 9 years of population loss, adding an estimated 67,899 residents from July 2023-June 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, last year’s data was updated to reflect population growth when it initially showed a loss.

Illinois’ gain was driven mostly by international migration: 112,955 residents came to the state from other nations. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, 56,235 Illinoisans left for other states – the factor driving nearly a decade of population loss.

When comparing all 50 states’ 2024 domestic migration figures, only New York and California lost more residents to other states.

Polling from the Illinois Policy Institute shows high taxes, crime and cost of living are among the leading concerns for residents interested in leaving the state. Low-tax states such as Florida and Texas – and even neighboring states with a lower cost of living including Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin – saw greater domestic population growth.

“Population growth buoyed by massive influxes of international migration is not sustainable for a state bleeding taxpayers. Despite what some politicians claim, domestic outmigration is very real – and the trends should be concerning to everyone who lives here,” said Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research at the Illinois Policy Institute. “Other states’ low cost of living and low tax environments are doing a good job of attracting residents. Illinois should be a destination state, too. It’s filled with opportunities and great people, but serious economic reforms are needed to ensure every resident and business can plant roots and thrive here.

“Lawmakers must address the state's economic and fiscal challenges or recent international migrants will soon leave as well, continuing the long-standing trend of domestic outmigration.”

To read more about Illinois’ domestic outmigration crisis, visit illin.is/2024populationgrowth.

For interviews or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.