Illinois, the state with the third largest population exodus

With 150,000 fewer people, The Prairie State is second only to California and New York in terms of population decline.

Published by

June 14, 2023

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Census Bureau data indicated that Illinois lost nearly 150,000 residents in 2021. The overwhelming figure means the state suffered the third greatest population loss in the country, behind only California and New York:

Illinois’ total 2021 migration losses were the 3rd-highest decline behind only California(-404,000) and New York (-280,000).

Many of the citizens who lived in Illinois moved to states like Florida and Tennessee. However, even more moved to nearby states like Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin. In addition, the state gained only 4,000 new residents.

Wirepoints.org-New Census D... by Verónica Silveri

Illinois lost most of its citizens to Florida

Wirepoints indicated that the exodus of Illinois residents is due to many citizens deciding to move to escape the high taxes, struggling economy and job cuts facing the state. Among the places that received the most population from The Prairie State are:

- Florida: 23,414 new residents.

- Indiana (19,083)

- Wisconsin (16,845)

- Missouri (14,861)

- Tennessee (9,873)

According to the report:

This data shows for yet another year Americans chose better managed, less expensive areas over larger, government-centric, high-cost cities and states. And it provides a glimpse of a demographic future in which states that prioritize an affordable, less intrusive government will dominate those that over-tax and over-regulate the lives and businesses of their residents.

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