Recent census figures reveal that more than 80% of counties in Illinois are experiencing population declines
Illinois Battles a Persistent Population Plunge
In what seems to have become a persistent trend, the Land of Lincoln is losing its residents. A riveting report from the Illinois Policy Institute has painted a stark image of statewide depopulation.
Every corner of the once-bustling state has felt the impact. From the glistening shores of Lake Michigan to the rich soil of the downstate, no area has been left untouched by this demographic shift.
The Unsettling Numbers
The report detailed a loss across all eight Illinois metro areas and a whopping 87 out of 102 counties between July 2022 and July 2023.
The iconic city of Chicago stands out, with its population decline accounting for half of the state’s total decrease of approximately 41,000 residents last year. Once we factor in the influx of a modest 8,300 newcomers, we’re still looking at a net loss nearing 33,000.
But it’s not just about the big city. Decatur, Springfield, and Bloomington-Normal have also witnessed significant drops, each alarming when considered against their population size.
The County at the Core
Cook County, the bedrock of Illinois, recorded the second-largest population plummet in the United States, with an exodus of over 58,000 residents. These folks didn’t just spread out into the surrounding suburbs—many ventured beyond state borders, seeking new opportunities.
“It’s affecting communities across the state,” noted Bryce Hill, the Illinois Policy Institute’s director of Fiscal and Economic Research, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
State’s Countermove
Governor J.B. Pritzker has voiced his concern and commitment to address these figures, indicating a probable undercount in the 2020 Census, particularly within group facilities.
“I’m pleased that the Census Bureau has recognized the undercounting…” Pritzker stated, emphasizing the state’s efforts to correct census inaccuracies.
Deciphering the Departures
The reasons behind this exodus are multifaceted. However, Bryce Hill points to one striking factor: taxation. With Illinoisans bearing one of the heaviest tax burdens in the nation, it comes as no surprise that they’re migrating to more tax-friendly terrains like Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Texas.
- In 2022, 97% of the residents who left Illinois chose states with lower taxes.
As Hill articulated, this trend is nothing new. With a decade-long pattern of decline, a call to action for fiscal reform in Illinois has never been more urgent. “If lawmakers don’t take steps to reduce the crippling burden of taxes on residents, people will likely continue to leave”, he warned.
As the Prairie State faces this daunting challenge, the response of its leaders and the resilience of its communities will be crucial in determining the social and economic future of Illinois.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
