Illinois’ record population decline affected nearly all counties in 2022
Illinois’ population decline reached record-breaking levels in 2022 as the state’s population dropped by 104,437 residents from from July 2021-July 2022.
The losses were widespread, new data shows. There were 91 of Illinois’ 102 counties that lost population during that year, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released March 30.
The largest decline in numeric terms came from the state’s most populous counties. Cook County lost 68,314, DuPage County lost 5,547, Lake County lost 3,010, St. Clair County lost 2,351 and Kane County lost 2,001. The decline in Cook County was the second-most in the nation, behind only Los Angeles County.
While Illinois’ most populous areas are losing the largest number of residents, population decline is happening at the fastest rates in the state’s more rural areas. Alexander County, Henderson County, Perry County and Lawrence County led the state in population decline as a share of the population.
Statewide, population decline has been driven entirely by domestic migration – residents moving out. The same is largely true at the county level. Of the 91 counties to lose population, 80 of them (88%) also experienced domestic outmigration.
On the flip side, counties that experienced domestic outmigration are virtually guaranteed to see their populations decline as the natural increase in population (births minus deaths) continues to shrink over time. Of the 82 counties that experienced domestic outmigration, 80 (98%) saw their populations decline.
Traditionally, themajor reasonsIllinoisans are choosing to leave the state are for better housing and employment opportunities, both of which have been made worse by poor public policy in Illinois. Nearly half of Illinoisans have thought about moving away, and they said taxes were theirNo. 1 reason. Population decline also contributes to the lower economic prospects of the state.
The record number of residents who left Illinois this year should be a wake-up call to the state’s leaders, who refuse to adopt policies that would make it easier for residents to stay in Illinois. Reforms that would ease Illinoisans’ tax burden or reduce arduous business regulations are needed to make the state more affordable and send people running to Illinois, rather than away from it.
FAQs
91 of Illinois 102 counties lost population in 2022
What counties in Illinois are losing population? ›
According to Illinois Policy, of the 102 counties in the state, only 14 grew in population size with one county staying the same. Adams County lost 115 residents, Sangamon County lost 660 residents and Champaign County lost 525 residents.
What county is losing population? ›
Largest Declining
Los Angeles County, California, had the highest numeric population decline of 56,420 in 2023, compared to a loss of 89,697 people in 2022.
Why are people leaving Cook County? ›
Following the pandemic, remote work and housing costs continue to be among the main reasons people are leaving, said Linda Waite, the director of the Population Research Center at the University of Chicago.
What percent of Illinois population leaves the state? ›
According to the study, 63% of all moves in Illinois in 2023 were people leaving the state rather than moving into the state. The high outbound rates from states like Illinois and California suggest ongoing challenges related to economic factors, according to the Allied U.S. Migration Report.
What is the fastest shrinking city in Illinois? ›
The hardest hit was Aurora, which saw a 10% decrease in population over the analyzed time frame.
Why is Illinois losing so many people? ›
Several factors contributed to the change, but the single largest was domestic outmigration. According to the data, 122,460 people moved from Illinois to other states during the period from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, while only 5,766 people moved into the state, a net loss of 116,694.
What counties are losing the most population? ›
Los Angeles County in California, as well as Kings County and Queens County in New York, are the top three counties in the country in population decline from 2022 to 2023. According to the same U.S. Census data, most people are moving to Texas.
What state is losing the most population? ›
The story of New York, the country's fastest shrinking state as of the latest Census release, is similar in this regard. New York lost 0.5% of its population between July 2022 and June 2023 and the previous Census had recorded a decreasing population in the state since 2016.
What are the top 5 states losing population? ›
According to a December release by the Census Bureau, California, Illinois and New York - along with West Virginia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Hawaii and Oregon - lost population in 2023 compared to 2022.
Population decline was the most pronounced in some of the state's most populous counties, but most of the decline came from Cook County. It lost 24,494 residents during the year, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released March 14.
Why do people want to leave Chicago? ›
And they depend mostly on personal choices and lifestyle. Some have found better jobs and are moving from Chicago to New York. Others simply aren't happy with the living conditions in the city. Due to the high number of people leaving, the city of Chicago lost around 15,000 people in the past few years.
Why are people moving to Chicago? ›
A: Is Chicago worth moving to? Yes! There are plenty of job opportunities, and the housing costs are less than many coastal cities. You also have access to all kinds of cultural activities, the food scene is thriving, and there's always something to do.
Why are people moving out of Illinois? ›
Study: Illinois #2 state people are leaving
The main reasons cited for moving out of Illinois were work (26.10%) and retirement (21.40%), according to the survey. Surprisingly, "high cost of living" was reported as the least likely reason for residents leaving the state. Crime wasn't even mentioned.
What city in Illinois has the most population? ›
Chicago is Illinois' most populous municipality.
What is the poorest city in the state of Illinois? ›
Of the 621 towns in the state with available data, Alorton ranks as the poorest. The typical Alorton household earns just $19,605 a year, 73.0% less than the statewide median household income. Given the low incomes, it is not surprising that a larger than average share of residents live in poverty.
What is the least populated place in Illinois? ›
Illinois is divided into 102 counties and, as of 2020, contained 1,300 municipalities consisting of cities, towns, and villages. The most populous city is Chicago with 2,746,388 residents while the least populous is Valley City with 14 residents.
Where is the most poverty in Illinois? ›
The 10 Most Disadvantaged Counties in Illinois:
- Kankakee.
- Macon.
- Marion.
- Pulaski.
- Saline.
- St. Clair.
- Vermillion.
- Winnebago.
Valley City is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 14 at the 2020 census, making Valley City the smallest incorporated place in Illinois in terms of population. As of 2024, the population is 13.
