3 in 4 Illinois communities lost population in 2023

By Ravi Mishra

05/16/2024

Chicago lost the most, but communities across Illinois lost population in 2023. Three-fourths of the cities and towns lost people.

TAGS: outmigration, population

9 years of decline: Expect Chicago to be No. 4 behind Houston by 2035

By Bryce Hill

05/16/2024

Chicago lost 8,208 residents in 2023, the third-largest decline of any city in the nation. At this rate, the Second City will drop from No. 3 to No. 4 by 2035

TAGS: Chicago, population

Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

By Bryce Hill

03/18/2024

While Cook County experienced the largest decline, less-populous Illinois counties were losing people at the fastest rate last year.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Every Illinois metro area lost people in 2023; Chicago 3rd worst in nation

By Bryce Hill

03/15/2024

Illinois’ population decline crisis has now spread to every major metropolitan area in the state. Chicago continued losing residents in 2023.

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

By Bryce Hill

03/14/2024

Illinois’ population decline crisis continues to affect virtually all counties despite fewer losses in 2023. Cook County saw nation’s second-highest number of residents moving out.

Underachiever: Illinois lags nation in jobs, but growth potential is high

By Bryce Hill

02/12/2024

2023 data on Illinois’ labor market gives cause for both concern and hope as state emerges from pandemic job losses.

46,400 extra Illinoisans found, but 364,443 others moved away

By Bryce Hill

01/08/2024

Illinois’ base population total is larger than previously predicted after the U.S. Census discovered it had missed people in group quarters. But the change shouldn’t lull politicians into thinking taxes and other policies didn’t drive 364,443 people away.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Illinois population drop, departures among worst in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

12/29/2023

Illinois lost 83,839 residents who moved to other states, one of the highest rates in the U.S. and driving a 10th consecutive year of population decline. It ranks near the bottom on multiple other population measures, too.

All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826

By Bryce Hill

12/28/2023

Illinoisans moving to other states was the sole reason for population decline in 2023. It’s not a Midwestern thing, because our neighbors are growing.

Every 6 minutes, 16 seconds, Illinois loses another resident

By Bryce Hill

12/27/2023

People choosing to move out of state again drove Illinois’ population to decline from July 2022-July 2023. Another one left every 6 minutes and 16 seconds.

Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

3 in 4 Illinois communities lost population in 2023

9 years of decline: Expect Chicago to be No. 4 behind Houston by 2035

Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

Every Illinois metro area lost people in 2023; Chicago 3rd worst in nation

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

Underachiever: Illinois lags nation in jobs, but growth potential is high

46,400 extra Illinoisans found, but 364,443 others moved away

Illinois population drop, departures among worst in U.S.

All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826

Every 6 minutes, 16 seconds, Illinois loses another resident

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