New Census Bureau data shows people moving out of Illinois continues to drive the state’s population decline. So many moved away in the year before July 2022, it was almost like Rockford disappearing.

Forbes magazine highlighted Illinois as one of the top states residents are fleeing for more tax-friendly climates.

Illinois reported the largest outmigration of residents of any state during 2021, marking the 8th consecutive year of population decline in Illinois. Chicago similarly saw more residents move away than any metropolitan area in the nation.

States that have re-opened schools have also increased labor force participation of mothers, evidence suggests.