U.S. Census Bureau Statistics on Chicago
New data released by the U.S. Census Bureau this week has shown that Chicago is experiencing a significant loss in population, in a span of one year. According to the Census data, the city has lost approximately 0.3% of its population between July 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023. In other words, the city has lost about 8,208 residents in one year. This being said, it can soon place the Windy City right under Houston, Texas. Especially, because Houston, Texas, is rapidly growing and gaining more residents. It has increased a 0.5% to having a current total of about 2,314,157 residents. Whereas, the Windy City currently has about 2,590,002 residents.
With these statistics constantly changing it can essentially move the Windy City to the 4th most populous city now, rather than the 3rd, as it currently is. Placing Houston right over it. However, this decline in the city is not something that just recently happened in one year or couple of years. It actually has been rapidly declining since the last nine years. Also according to Illinois Policy Institute, “At this rate, the Second City will drop from No. three to No. four by 2035.” Meaning that Chicago can eventually be overtaken by Houston in the year 2035 as it’s being predicted. The decline was first identified and noted in 2015 and now the city has lost more than 128,000 residents since then.
People Moving Out of Democratic strongholds Has Become a Nationwide Trend
Additionally, the most recent Census data for 2023 also demonstrates that people are relocating out of Democratic strongholds. One state in particular being from Illinois and going to places like Arizona, Texas, Florida, etc. Which is why people in the state of Illinois are constantly considering and deciding moving to other states and cities for various reasons. Some of the most mentioned reasons for outbound moving are the following,
- Retirement: 21.40%.
- Health: 4.30%.
- Family: 19.70%.
- Lifestyle: 11.40%.
- Job: 26.10%.
- Cost: 3.60%.
In fact, according to the study by United Van Lines, called, “The National Moves Study,” it revealed that a lot more people are leaving the state of Illinois following New Jersey. Making it the second-highest state for outbound moves in 2023, indicating that about 61% of moves were outbound and 39% were inbound. They stated that it was surprising that people expressed the cost of living as the least likely reason for residents leaving the state and that crime was not even mentioned in the process of this study.
Moreover, Eily Cummings, the Vice President of Corporate Communications at United Van Lines, expressed that factors like housing prices, regional climates, urban planning, and job growth are also some factors that are greatly influencing relocation decisions that people are making in the state of Illinois. Which is also why Chicago is currently experiencing a significant loss in population.
The Windy City is Shrinking and This is Concerning
Furthermore, a lot of residents that are relocating to other states in the United States have expressed how grateful they are to have made their decision. Also how it has truly impacted their life in a positive way. Meanwhile, according to Ted Dabrowski, president of the nonprofit think tank Wirepoints, stated that data shows a majority of Illinois cities losing population rather than gaining.
In fact, Dabrowski also noted that 93 out of 122 cities have shrunk in the past year alone in Illinois. Some of the most known and big places that have shrunk in the Windy City are the following,
- Cicero.
- Berwyn.
- Blue Island.
- Elmwood Park.
These are just a few places that Dabrowski highlighted in terms of the city. Considering that Chicago’s population amount are declining rapidly. Additionally stating that this decrease of population should be taken seriously and be a concern for everybody in the city.
Southern and Western States Making Opportunities More Accessible for Incoming Residents
Now, as previously stated, a large amount of resident that have relocated have expressed how moving has positively impacted their life. Also how other states located in the Southern and Western side of the country are offering better opportunities from their perspective. For instance, Stuart Grannen, an antiques dealer. He was a longtime Chicago resident before moving his business to Texas. He stated the following,
Texas has been very good for us. We’ve been there almost a year. The tax incentives are certainly good. I don’t know if it’s the first reason, but a nice complementary reason.
Additionally, the Illinois Policy Institute stated that the tax incentives are a big attraction for states like Texas and Florida. In terms of motivating Illinois residents to relocate southward. Bryce Hill, a spokesperson for the IPI, also said the following,
It’s pretty simple that Texas and many other southern and western states are making those opportunities more available.
Nonetheless, many Chicago residents also claim that they have no intention of leaving. In fact, they are rooting for the city to reduce its loss of residents. Chicago residents have stated comments like,
I wouldn’t want to leave. I love Chicago and all the food and all the different neighborhoods.
I love how walkable the city is.
The winters here in Chicago are not great…but summertime Chicago is why people stay.
Written by Jeanette Sanchez
Sources:
NBC Chicago: Another city could soon take over Chicago as third-largest in US, Census data shows
Illinois Policy: 9 Years of Decline: Expect Chicago to be No. 4 behind Houston by 2035
Fox 32 Chicago: Illinois ranks second in U.S. states with most outbound moves in 2023, study finds
The Center Square: Latest Census data shows Illinois’ largest cities continuing to lose population
Crain’s Chicago Business: Chicago population loss slowed in 2023
Chicago Tribune: Census 2023 population estimates for the Chicago area: Did your city, town or village gain or lose residents?
Featured Image Courtesy of edward stojakovic Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of storm2k Flickr Page-Creative Commons License
