The latest Census estimates have once again revealed a troubling trend for Illinois: its largest cities are seeing a continuous decline in population. Yet Gov. J.B. Pritzker stubbornly denies the facts and insists the federal data is inaccurate. While addressing why Illinois’ major cities are losing residents, Pritzker claimed, against all evidence, that the state has actually gained population and the U.S. Census Bureau’s calculations are flawed.
Pritzker attributed supposed undercounting to factors like homelessness and hidden populations, asserting that Illinois has a population greater than 13 million. However, the Census Bureau clearly marks Illinois’s population at 12.8 million, contradicting Pritzker’s inflated figures. Although the 2020 post enumeration survey did marginally adjust for previously missed individuals, the net result was still a population decline of 33,100, even after incorporating 46,400 additional residents.
State Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland, directly challenged Pritzker’s narrative, labeling him a “population denier” and highlighting the tangible consequences of the state’s population decline. Miller pointed out the undeniable fact that Illinois lost a Congressional seat following the 2020 Census. Miller questioned how Pritzker could ignore such stark evidence, asking whether he believes the federal government is deceiving him.
Pritzker’s administration tried to spin the situation by touting the governor’s signing of new redistricting maps in June 2021, which were supposed to reflect population changes. Yet, these maps were based on data Pritzker now claims is erroneous. Despite the governor’s assertions to the contrary, the ACS data reported continuing population drops—nearly 40,000 in 2021 and 31,000 in 2022—with Chicago alone losing over 8,000 residents in 2023. This marks Chicago as having the third largest population loss in the nation, trailing only New York and Philadelphia, with nearly a 3% decline since 2020.
Pritzker’s rebuttal to these statistics is astonishing. Instead of facing the reality, he doubles down on his claim that the American Community Survey is flawed and that Illinois is actually gaining residents. This blatant dismissal of factual data is echoed by the Illinois GOP, who emphasize that since 2020, Illinois has seen an exodus of 263,780 residents. ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy sums it up succinctly: “Illinois residents are fleeing the Prairie State as they run from Democratic socialistic policies, high taxes, a worsening migrant crisis, and rampant crime.”
It’s clear that Illinois’ leadership under Gov. Pritzker is failing its citizens by refusing to acknowledge the detrimental impact of their progressive agenda. Until Democrats admit their role in this crisis and take responsibility for their misguided policies, the exodus will continue, and the state’s decline will accelerate. America must wake up to these realities and prioritize agendas that uphold liberty, reduce taxation, and preserve the quality of life.
