Illinois’ population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the state losing residents to other states. Some say the trend of increasing tax rates is to blame.
The majority of metropolitan areas in the state have lost residents again in 2025, with Census Bureau data estimates showing only two major areas with any real domestic growth, Rockford and the Illinois portion of the St. Louis metro.
Republican Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey said that while campaigning in Chicago, he’s found the cost of living and heightened taxes are driving residents from the state.
The Chicago metro, including counties surrounding Cook, saw a domestic migration loss of almost 34,000.
As affordability remains a hot-button issue on both sides of the aisle, another big issue – international migration – is one of the only factors keeping the state’s population from shrinking outright.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
Comments