Illinois suffered population loss among all eight Illinois-based metro areas and 87 of Illinois’ 102 counties, according to data released today (Thursday) by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Illinois Policy Institute reports Chicago’s population loss accounted for approximately 50% of the state’s total decline of nearly 33,000 residents in 2023.
South of Interstate 70, the only county to report a population increase was Williamson with a gain of 162 people. Jackson County's decline of 336 residents was the largest in the region outside the Metro East.
Data show residents are leaving for states with lower taxation, including Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Texas.
Illinois is the only state among its neighbors to suffer population loss.
Illinois has the seventh-highest tax burden in the nation and the highest in the Midwest.
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