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 is Midwest’s biggest people loser

By Bryce Hill

03/05/2025

Most neighboring states are gaining residents from people moving across state lines. Even of the states losing people, Illinois is losing at a significantly faster rate.

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

4 of 5 top states Americans moving to have flat or no income tax

By Bryce Hill

02/26/2025

Of the states most Americans are moving to, 4 of 5 have a flat or no income tax. The states losing the most residents? There again, 4 of 5 have progressive taxes. Illinois’ flat tax is an advantage it should keep.

International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

By Bryce Hill

02/20/2025

Illinois and other states with sanctuary cities saw large influxes of international migrants in recent years. But historical data shows the new arrivals may soon move out for the same reasons other residents have.

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

IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022

By Bryce Hill

07/01/2024

New data shows $9.9 billion flowed from Illinois to other states because people moved out in 2022. Most of those leaving earned $100,000 or more.

TAGS: population

White, Black communities lead Illinois’ population decline; Hispanic, Asian communities growing

By Bryce Hill

06/28/2024

Illinois’ Hispanic population is growing the most while the Asian population growing the fastest.

TAGS: population, U.S. Census Bureau

Illinois’ Black unemployment rate No. 2 in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

05/22/2024

Black workers in Illinois face a tougher job market than peers nationally. Hispanic men, Asians face lower unemployment rates relative to peers in other states.

TAGS: unemployment

Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

64 of Illinois’ 102 counties see populations drop in 2024

Every 9 minutes, 21 seconds, Illinois loses another resident

Illinois is Midwest’s biggest people loser

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

4 of 5 top states Americans moving to have flat or no income tax

International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

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

IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022

White, Black communities lead Illinois’ population decline; Hispanic, Asian communities growing

Illinois’ Black unemployment rate No. 2 in U.S.

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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