Illinois has a great history, culture, and natural beauty, but it faces numerous challenges, including high taxation, governance issues, crime, and unemployment.
These issues have led many residents to seek better prospects and a higher quality of life outside of the state. Recent Census Bureau estimates show a significant departure from Illinois, with a loss of almost 142,000 persons from July 2021 to July 2022.
This makes Illinois the second-least popular state in the US, after New York. The following 5 communities in Illinois are experiencing significant outmigration, as demonstrated by population changes, median income, median house values, poverty rates, crime rates, and other important indicators.
Cairo
Once a thriving river town, Cairo has faced economic challenges and a decline in infrastructure, contributing to its dwindling population. The closure of businesses and limited employment opportunities have forced many residents to seek better prospects elsewhere.
The town’s struggles with poverty and crime have further accelerated the exodus, as residents look for safer and more prosperous environments.
With a current population of 1,742, there has been a significant 37.9% reduction since 2010. The community has a typical household income of $20,833, a median home value of $38,800, and a high poverty rate of 47.4%. Furthermore, Cairo has a high crime rate of 69.5 incidents per 1,000 population, which exceeds the national average by 117%.
Rockford
Despite being the third-largest city in Illinois, with a population of 144,602, Rockford has experienced a decline in population due to economic challenges and a perceived lack of opportunities. However, the population has declined by 5.1% since 2010.
The city has grappled with issues such as unemployment, crime, and education, prompting some residents to leave in pursuit of better living conditions. Efforts to revitalize the local economy are ongoing, but the exodus from Rockford continues.
Rockford has a median household income of $43,822, a typical home value of $92,000, and a 24.1% poverty rate. Notably, Rockford has a high crime rate (64.9 incidents per 1,000 residents), which is 108% higher than the national average.
Danville
Danville, located in Vermilion County on the eastern edge of Illinois near the Indiana border, was once a major coal mining and manufacturing center.
However, the city has been experiencing an economic downturn and demographic reduction since the 1980s. Danville now has a population of 30,479, a 10.4% decline from 2010.
The city’s economic metrics show a median household income of $36,121, a median home value of $66,200, and a significant poverty rate of 26.5%. Furthermore, Danville has a high crime rate (54.4 incidents per 1,000 residents), which is 90% higher than the national average.
Decatur
Once a prosperous industrial town, Decatur has faced economic decline in recent years, leading to a departure of residents seeking better prospects elsewhere. Job losses, declining industries, and environmental concerns have played a role in the town’s population decrease.
As residents look for stability and improved living standards, Decatur continues to experience a migration of its population to other areas.
Decatur’s current population is 70,746, a 9.5% decline from 2010. The city has a typical household income of $43,654, a median home value of $82,400, and a 22.4% poverty rate. Notably, Decatur has a high crime rate of 46.5 per 1,000 population, which exceeds the national average by 77%.
Peoria
Peoria, with a population of 110,417, is the largest city in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. However, the population has declined by 4.5% since 2010.
The city’s statistics show a median household income of $51,458, a typical home value of $125,500, and a 19.9% poverty rate. Additionally, Peoria has a high crime rate of 45.3 per 1,000 population, which is 75% higher than the national average.
Final Words
People are fleeing some cities in Illinois, citing concerns such as high taxes, ineffective administration, violence, poverty, unemployment, the expense of living, and a lack of opportunity.
Despite possible benefits such as historical or cultural significance, some towns are overburdened with negative issues, rendering them undesirable and unsustainable for many citizens. Unless these communities reverse their decline and address their difficulties, they will continue to lose their attractiveness and population.