The population in the state of Illinois is declining according to the new census data.

The data released Thursday (4/18) shows that for a fifth consecutive year the “Land of Lincoln” saw a decline in population in 2018.

Illinoispolicy.org reports that the data also reveals that for the first time ever recorded, “population loss occurred in every metropolitan area across the state.” (Illinoispolicy.org – Bryce Hill)

According to the information released here in the Bloomington, IL metro area we saw 0.1% loss in population last year. The Danville, IL metro area saw the biggest percentage decline with a 1.2% population loss. However, the largest actual loss in population took place in the Chicago MSA with a loss of more than 22,000 residents.

The data shows that the population decline across Illinois’ 10 metro areas is a result of out-migration from the state almost entirely. In fact, over 1000,000 residents moved out of those metro areas statewide from July 2017 to July 2018.

Kind of makes you wonder why so many people are moving out of the state. I have my theories. What do you think is making it happen?

By: Buck Stevens