Illinois population shifts

May 26, 2015

il-map-pop-changeNew U.S. Census Bureau estimates indicate that Rockford, the third largest city in Illinois, is leading the state in population decline.

From July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014, Rockford’s population declined by 2.5 percent or 3,840 people—the biggest numerical drop of any Illinois city during that period, according to census data provided to Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies (CGS).

Further, the adjacent towns of Machesney Park and Loves Park also were among the top 15 communities for population declines during that four-year stretch, losing 456 and 448 residents, respectively.

Illinois has nearly 1,300 incorporated villages, towns and cities. CGS monitors demographic changes in Illinois as a coordinating agency in the U.S. Census Bureau State Data Center Network.

Top Counts -02Suburban North Chicago was second on the list of towns seeing the greatest population decline, losing 2,189 residents, followed by Decatur (-2,079), Belleville (-1,549), Moline (-824), Freeport (-764) and Danville (-759).

“Population loss might be a greater concern for larger communities because of population-based aid they receive from state and federal sources,” says Eric Zeemering, a professor of public administration at NIU. He says towns that are losing a substantial number of residents need to make adjustments.

“Municipalities with declining populations must be vigilant about scaling back services to match local needs,” Zeemering says. “If population loss is accompanied by a reduced percentage of occupied properties and the closure of businesses, communities must cope with lost revenue from property taxes and other fee-supported services, like water and sewer services.”

In March, CGS reported that census data showed Illinois had nearly 10,000 fewer residents in 2014 than in the previous year – the largest numerical decline of any state in the nation and the first statewide population dip since the mid-1980s.

“When communities lose population, it’s typically a sign of lost jobs or an aging population,” says Sherrie Taylor, a CGS researcher. “The national birth rate has been decreasing as families are starting later in life and not having as many children. This trend, coupled with the aging baby boomer generation, is creating a decrease in the population throughout Illinois. Some residents are also leaving for jobs in other states. But new immigrants sometimes make up for the loss in the more urban settings, such as Chicago.”

Top Counts -01Many cities in Illinois continue to grow, including Chicago, which added 25,070 people from 2010 to 2014. That amounts to modest growth of just under 1 percent.

Naperville added 3,828 residents, the second largest numerical increase of Illinois cities, followed by Champaign (3,314), Elgin (2,813), Oswego (2,565), Aurora (2,295) and Plainfield (2,188). If current trends continue, Joliet and Naperville, the fourth and fifth largest Illinois cities respectively, will surpass Rockford in population size within the next year or two, Taylor says.

In terms of percentage population increases, the fastest growing communities from 2010 to 2014 were the small villages of Volo in Lake County and Pingree Grove in Kane County.

Volo’s population swelled by slightly more than 28 percent to 3,870 residents; Pingree Grove’s population jumped by nearly 28 percent to 5,878 residents. The Village of East Dundee ranked third with 11 percent growth to 3,198 residents. Each of those villages annexed property during the time period.

“Population gain may be viewed as a positive sign of growth, particularly if accompanied by a decline in vacant properties or an increase in new housing starts,” Zeemering says. “More residents occupying more tax-paying parcels is generally viewed favorably by local officials.

“However, communities experiencing rapid growth or communities confronting a capacity limit on critical infrastructure, such as a water system, may find new growth to be costly, as the local government will need to invest in new or expanded infrastructure to support new residents,” he adds.

Population changes taking place in Illinois also include a shift from rural to urban settings.

“This reflects a national trend,” Taylor says. “The global tipping point was in 2007, when the worldwide population in urban settings first exceeded rural settings. In the United States, the trend is no different as people have been moving to urban settings for decades. Now more than 80 percent of the country’s population is in urban areas, and that percentage continues to grow. Urban areas offer convenience, jobs and an opportunity for a greater quality of life.”

Tom Parisi, NIU Media and Public Relations

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