Yohna Hornbuckle: 50% property tax rise threatens Rantoul man’s homeownership

By Jess Plowman

06/16/2025

Illinois is No. 1 in the nation for property taxes, an uncomfortable reality for Rantoul homeowner Yohna Hornbuckle. His property taxes are up 50% in six years and threaten his ability to stay.

TAGS: outmigration, property taxes

Nearly all Illinois communities smaller since 2020; Chicago loses nearly 30K

By Bryce Hill

05/15/2025

Since 2020, 84% of Illinois communities have lost population. Small towns were hit hardest by population declines in 2024, while Chicago’s migrant crisis helped offset people choosing to leave.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Poll: Taxes No. 1 issue for over half of Illinois voters, nearly half would move

By Patrick Andriesen

05/01/2025

More than half of Illinois voters said high taxes were the No. 1 concern for the state, according to an Illinois Policy Institute poll. Of those polled, nearly half said they would also move out of the state if given the chance.

TAGS: outmigration

Chicago area gets over 96K international migrants in 2024; 238K since 2020

By Bryce Hill

03/12/2025

Chicagoland’s population has been boosted by international migrants in recent years. But 347,000 residents left for other states since April 2020.

TAGS: outmigration, population, property taxes

64 of Illinois’ 102 counties see populations drop in 2024

By Bryce Hill

03/12/2025

While Illinois’ total population grew slightly last year, many areas of the state experienced population decline. People moved out of state from half the counties.

TAGS: outmigration, population, taxes

Every 9 minutes, 21 seconds, Illinois loses another resident

By Bryce Hill

03/06/2025

Illinois continues to lose residents to other states. Another Illinoisan left every 9 minutes and 21 seconds from July 2023 to June 2024.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Illinois ranks 48th for people moving out, loses over 56K residents

By Bryce Hill

02/27/2025

Illinois ability to keep its residents is third from the bottom. Only California and New York have more people moving to other states.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Illinois population grows in 2024 despite 56K residents leaving for other states

By Bryce Hill

12/19/2024

A massive influx of 112,955 international migrants boosted Illinois population in 2024, new Census Bureau data shows. Buses from Texas likely grew Illinois’ population.

TAGS: Chicago, outmigration, population

Atlas Van Lines: Illinois 3rd in nation for residents leaving

By Dylan Sharkey

12/09/2024

Illinois saw the third-highest rate of residents moving out in 2024 based on a survey by Atlas Van Lines. Jobs and taxes are among the top reasons people leave Illinois, which is also third in the nation for highest unemployment rate.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920

By Bryce Hill

08/09/2024

At the 1920 Census, Chicago’s population was 2.7 million, up over 516,000 in a decade. More than 100 years later, Chicago’s population is 2.66 million, a loss of 128,034 from nine straight years of decline.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students