By: John Klingner and Ted Dabrowski
Gov. J.B. Pritzker continuously denies Illinois is losing population, but sources from U-Haul to the IRS to the US Census Bureau all keep pointing in the same direction – people are leaving Illinois for other states in record numbers. More than 146,000 net Illinoisans left for other states in 2021, according to state-to-state migration data released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau. And now, thanks to that data, we now know where they moved to.
The latest data debunks many out-migration myths that Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others promote. Here are the big three:
Myth #1. Illinois isn’t losing people to other states. U.S. Census data shows Illinois was a net loser of residents to 40 different states between 2020 and 2021, resulting in a net out-migration of 150,000 residents to those 40 states. On the flip side, Illinois was a net winner of residents from just nine states. The net in-migration from those nine states totaled just 4,000 residents.
In all, Illinois netted a loss of 146,000 residents in 2021.
The only two other states that lost more residents to out-migration in 2021 than Illinois did were New York and California. See appendix.
Myth #2. Illinois is only losing retirees to sunny states. Yes, the Census data shows the favorite destination for Illinoisans wanting a new home continues to be Florida. The Sunshine State gained a net 23,414 residents from Illinois.
But destinations number 2, 3 and 4 aren’t booming southern states or retiree-friendly havens like Arizona or the Carolinas. Instead, Illinoisans are simply moving just over the border. Illinoisans’ number two destination in 2021 was Indiana, which gained a net 19,000 Illinoisans, followed by Wisconsin (net 17,000 Illinoisans gained) and Missouri (net 15,000 Illinoisans gained).
Myth #3. It’s the same with our neighbors.
Illinois’ situation is largely unique when it comes to our neighbors. While Illinois lost a net 146,000 people due to out-migration, most of its neighbors continued to gain residents overall. Missouri experienced the largest net influx of more than 18,000 residents, but Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa also received a positive number of net in-migrants as well. Only Michigan suffered net out-migration, but not nearly to the extent of Illinois’ losses.
Conclusion
As we wrote regarding the 2019-2020 IRS migration data released a few months ago, this data shows for yet another year Americans chose better managed, less expensive areas over larger, government-centric, high-cost cities and states. And it provides a glimpse of a demographic future in which states that prioritize an affordable, less intrusive government will dominate those that over-tax and over-regulate the lives and businesses of their residents.
Appendix.
Illinois’ total 2021 migration losses were the 3rd-highest decline behind only California (-404,000) and New York (-280,000). The big winners, as always, were Florida with a gain of 205,000 people and Texas with a gain of 144,000.
As a share of population, Illinois’ 1.2 percent decline was the nation’s 4th-worst loss. Alaska (-1.5 percent), New York (-1.4 percent) and Wyoming (-1.4 percent) all lost a greater share of their populations.
Read more from Wirepoints:
- No, it’s not just retirees leaving Illinois. Residents in every age and income group are fleeing.
- State of denial: Gov. Pritzker says IRS migration data isn’t ‘migration data’
- New IRS migration data: New York, California, Illinois are the nation’s big losers of people and their wealth, Florida, Texas the big winners
Audio and summary 
If this bill passes, say goodbye to local control over all Illinois parks and expect to see open drug and alcohol use, needles, no sanitation and fire hazards, but no ordinary park users.
Best thing I ever did, was leaving Illinois
Why anyone would choose to stay in that State is beyond me. I hear kids as an excuse all the time. “Id move but…” Kids are resilient, they will adapt and overcome. Our kids were absolutely mad as heck that we moved from IL last Summer. Now less then a year they have way more friends. They have so much more to do. They are more active here in TN, then they were in boring Burbs of Chicago. My wife even has had her health improve tenfold. We have more money, and do more as a family. No more Sub… Read more »
The count down has begun! Less then a year left in this communist State. I have wanted out of here for many years. Nothing good about this state, and don’t tell me a Beef Sandwich from Chiraq is worth the stay
Where in missouri are they moving to? Not st. Louis. That metro area lost tens of thousands between the last to census
As in Illinois, many in MO are avoiding the blue cesspool known as St. Louis and it’s northern suburbs such as Ferguson, Florissant, Pagedale, etc. They are settling in outlining areas that, although not as developed as the city, are much cleaner and it’s common knowledge that everyone has and knows how to use guns. And will without repercussions when doing so lawfully.
Look at the video on this article in San Fran from NaturalNews. Video show what the streets looked liked there in the 50’s and 2023. Someone needs to do a side by side video like this in Chicago’s downtown and hopefully doesn’t get shot.
https://www.naturalnews.com/2023-06-12-san-francisco-biggest-hotels-shutting-down.html
Everyone gives Chicago trouble meanwhile it’s not even in the top 15 for most dangerous cities.
Never understood how a city that has logged +650 murders every year for the last 11 isn’t considered dangerous. No matter how many people live there, a dwindling number by the way, that’s still a lot of dead bodies.
Again-Another story about San Fran. This time Westfield Mall
https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/san-franciscos-downtown-just-entered-233448815.html
Going to get much, much worse as taxes explode on the upside as overly generous pensions are paid for 30 to 40 years with 3% increases every year. There is no way to avoid this, but to leave the state. Soon only poor immigrants and government lackies will be left in the state.
560am Monday thru Friday listen learn
4pm to 7pm
How does the large one explain the loss of a US House seat?
The problem is how many uneducated, ill-informed, bought and paid for Illinoisans believe everything Pritzker says? He lies without consequences and yet they all worship him. When he has taken everything from them and they have sacrificed it all, how will they survive? Can’t think of a better reason to leave Illinois. So many lives depend on it.
2,253,748 to be exact.
The Illinois Democrats want the demographics of the ones that flee to continue to in order to assure a more solid Democrat base. This assures the trial lawyers of having an excellent jury population base and a solid Democrat electoral vote base to trade off for Federal welfare.
The more solid Democrat base is just icing on the cake. They really just hate you. They don’t want you living anywhere near them. Just listen to JB’s tone today with his speech when he signed the mandatory gay porn in children’s libraries bill. You, deplorable, are a threat to democracy, when you try to shield your children from women with p3n1ses, or from drag queen story hour.
Sounds mostly like bigotry from your mouth but ok 👌
OK groomer!
How about we take proactive steps to fix this mess, instead of counting those that have retreated from the front lines.
I kinda lost touch with friends in NW Indiana, but I think that’s the place to go if you want /or have to stay close to sh*tcago. A lot of folks at my former CO commuted in from NW Indiana. I believe the Lake county/NW Indiana housing boom in still happening, could make for a good WP research piece?
Wait until everyone’s taxes go up from all the new subdivisions being built and continue to be built.
Time out from the food fight for a honest question: Are these population figures adjusted for illegal immigration, or are they included?
Sadly, of course, none of this keeps JB up at night. Illinois’ Dem’s know they can count on their party faithful to hit a voting booth and say,
Carve out Cook and surrounding countries and Illinois would be a red state.
I know right. Carve out 2/3 of the population in the state and Illinois would be red.
Wrong. Suppose I told you that Illinois is a moderate state and most of what is called conservative is mainstream moderate? And suppose I told you that all policy positions Wirepoints advocates for are supported by a majority or near majority? I will be writing on that soon.
Where am I wrong Mark? You are wrong for trying to move the goal posts. Try having an honest discussion for a change. The comment I responded to was how Illinois would be a “red” state if Cook and surrounding counties were carved out. I wasn’t responding to a statement that claimed Illinois is made up of “moderates”. You can try and make the argument that all of the policies that you present are wildly popular but that was not even the point of the earlier comment. Try being honest in your writings instead of misleading or flat out lying.… Read more »
Your comment to Andrew merely regurgitated what he said and offered no value, no insight, no opinion. One could interpret that you, too, believe Illinois would be red without 2/3 of the population because your comment was vacuous. Then you fly off the handle. Instead of being so pre-judgmental, perhaps exhibit a bit of patience. Let’s read what Mark Glennon delivers.
My comment was pure sarcasm to anyone with even mild cognitive abilities. If you interpreted my statement that way it says more about you than me. It’s absurd to make statements like Illinois would be red if it wasn’t for that huge voting block representing 2/3 of the state. Maybe you’re so used to these absurd comments on this site that you can no longer tell the difference. Mark knew my point and proceeded to claim I was wrong which was a flat out lie. He then proceeded to move the goal posts. I’ll continue to call that out as… Read more »
I did not detect your sarcasm. I graduated from two schools, undergrad and graduate school, both ranked in the top 10 in the nation, magna cum laude and summa cum laude respectively. I must lack cognitive ability. I am sure PPF your achievements are far more substantial than my own as is your cognitive ability. By the way, from a poor single mother background and am skeptical of those who question cognitive ability unless ground in fact.
Thanks for proving that book smart does not equate to intellect. Let me help you since you missed it.
Claiming that an entire state would vote differently if an area of the state that represents 2/3 of the voters weren’t part of the sate is not insightful. Clearly Mark picked up on the sarcasm when he replied to my comment.
PPF and PPF an economic legend. Welcome PPF an economic legend. This should be fun. I’ll bring popcorn.
Unfortunately jajujon, you won’t get much of a show. Anyone that starts off bragging about their degrees usually doesn’t have much to offer.
You can stop now. You don’t know about them.
I’ll continue to make comments as I see fit. You are free to do the same. Free speech truly is great.
Then perhaps apply a standard: Don’t type what you wouldn’t say to someone’s face. It’s so easy to hide behind a screen.
Which part would I not say to your face? If someone told me that Illinois would be red if it wasn’t for Cook and surrounding county I can guarantee I would have said exactly what I wrote. I would have said it in a sarcastic tone which hopefully would have helped but you never know. Everything I wrote I would say to your face and I’ll continue to write here.
Also, free speech doesn’t need to comply with your standards. That’s the part that makes it so wonderful.
Sheesh
Just copying Mark’s comment from earlier. No value, no insight, no original opinion. lol
Sheesh.
Indeed.
And PPF, regarding your mocking the notion that Wirepoints policy positions are popular, name a few that are not.
How about you tell me a policy position that has been adopted by a candidate that has won state wide office. You keep focusing on “polling” while ignoring the only polls that matter. I’m not mocking your positions as much as I’m mocking your belief that you have all these popular positions yet no one seems to vote for those types of candidates that support them. If they were as popular as you say then candidates would be scooping them up and adding them to their platform. Even when policy positions are presented directly to the voters such as amendment… Read more »
That’s real sly, buddy! You’re introducing another variable into the equation. I can tell you exactly why policy positions presented to voters fall on deaf ears: COOK COUNTY IS RIDICULOUSLY CORRUPT AND NOBODY BELIEVES THAT ELECTIONS HERE ARE FAIR!!! The biggest voting deterrent is interacting or doing business with the City of Chicago or Cook County. It’s the most demoralizing and humiliating ordeal anyone could ever imagine. I tried filing a huge tax fraud complaint a few years ago in the Cook County Assessor’s Office and was told that there isn’t an enforcement mechanism; 50K of taxpayer revenue – gone… Read more »
“It’s the most demoralizing and humiliating ordeal anyone could ever imagine.” “Nobody believes that elections here are fair”. Careful Dave. You are doing exactly what you consistently accuse debtsor of doing. lol.
The difference between me and debtsor is that I’m identifying the problem and presenting solutions. Everyone knows Chicago and Cook County are corrupt. The way to beat the system is to play offense, acknowledge that good people outnumber the bad, and realize that we can make a difference by working together and implementing a plan. I’m starting my own media company soon to really get the message across. What are you doing to make Illinois a better place?
The only solutions you’ve presented has been around utilizing psyops and propaganda campaigns. You’ve even expressed displeasure with this site for posting articles that offer differing views. Not even agreeing with them but just for merely posting them.
Good luck with your new media company. I’m sure “really” getting the message out there is all that is needed.
We’re not off to a good start. I responded to your question, and you’re slinging more mud. “The only solutions you’ve presented has been around utilizing psyops and propaganda campaigns.” I’ve suggested PR campaigns to raise morale. Morale is a vital prerequisite for taking action and restoring a two party system of checks and balances. I’m not in the military and lack the capabilities to launch a “psyop.” Lessons can be learned from previous crises and sometimes military aggression. How am I wrong for identifying propaganda and subversion in the chat that’s impeding balanced debate? Illinois is a super majority,… Read more »
It’s not slinging mud to point out that you have no real plan. It’s just an observation and my opinion.
You have asked Mark and this site to censor information that he publishes. How can you have “balanced debate” as you’ve suggested if you want the opposition muzzled?So yes, your version of this site would be horrific for having an open dialogue. You’re looking for Capfax but with you in charge of the censor button. No thanks.
Where did I ever ask anyone to censor? I’ve never asked anyone to censor anything. You’re completely making this up. I’ve explicitly stated numerous times that I’m all for free speech. I publically volunteered to ghost-write an article about the psychology of comment section manipulation for Wirepoints. I think it’s important, and moderates / Republicans are getting their buts kicked by Democrats that are far more competent in persuasive communication and manipulation. My goal is to educate and restore fundamental democratic concepts like balance of power.
Asking him not to post articles that you don’t agree with is a form of censoring. Free speech but on your terms.
You wear that ridiculous unconstitutional handle like it’s a badge of honor. Who are you to criticize, assuming you can even comprehend my position? I don’t think we’re communicating very well, and you definitely don’t understand or completely disregard core democratic fundamentals. Even worse, you hammer out only those that support your cause. What a joke.
Too funny. I point out exactly where you support censorship and now you want to change the subject. That’s fine with me.
I don’t find our constitution ridiculous. I find it to be completely fair to lay out the rules that we all agree to live by. I also don’t believe that setting up a propaganda sites is one of our core democratic fundamentals.
It’s ok that we don’t agree.
Listen to 560am 4pm to 7pm Monday thru Friday. You will get an education!
Presumably you know full well that politics is a set of choice preferences. What’s education to one person is selective and slanted propaganda to another.
Make sure to take your booster
The far left punches way beyond its numbers in elections here for many reasons: rigged maps, superior ground game and organization, bad opposition candidates, politicized courts on election disputes, biased media, rigged media platforms, political indoctrination in schools, alliance with public union workers who provide an army as part of their unholy alliance for pensions and other goodies. And, most importantly, abortion and Trump, which were dominating issues in the elections. Rauner, too, in his reelection, who became unpopular with his base. The far left now in power thereby got control though they represent no more than maybe a third… Read more »
I’ll agree with you in this last election that Trump and abortion didn’t help but rigged maps have nothing to do with state wide elections. Also, amendment 1 had 58% support. In that particular example the majority disagrees with your policy position so how is your position popular. You asked for a policy position that isn’t popular. If you can’t get to 50% then its not popular. The rest of what you provide is just excuses. You blame the media but the major media outlets were against amendment 1 as well. Sure it has some level of influence but not… Read more »
Let’s just assume for a second that elections in IL are fair. JB had several hundred thousand more votes than the Republican candidates in both statewide elections. This means Republican voters are outnumbered. They may not agree with Democrats on every issue, and probably hold their nose voting for progressives, but they’ll still punch Democrat every race. Every other structural advantage is mere window dressing. There’s only one way to overcome this structural imbalance, and that’s ballot harvesting on a scale unlike anything anyone has ever seen. The R’s need to identify every general election voter, every Trump voter, AND… Read more »
” . . . rigged maps have nothing to do with state wide elections.” You’re kidding, I know. I’m picking up on your brand of sarcasm. Rigged maps UNMISTAKABLY lead to effects like these on statewide elections: Partisan advantage, resulting in non-competitive or uncontested races Disenfranchisement of voters, unable to elect representatives who align with their values and concerns; also, fewer and fewer voters bother to vote, realizing nothing will change Polarization and extremism as politicians ignore bipartisan or moderate positions Less accountability, leading to complacency and corruption by politicians and bureaucrats Still thinking rigged maps have no effect on… Read more »
Not in statewide races. When was the last statewide office that was ran unopposed? Not in statewide races. If voters don’t bother to vote then that’s on them as well as the opposition party that gave them no reason to vote. Not in statewide races. If one candidate is too extreme every voter in the state gets to vote regardless of how the maps are drawn. All voters in the state have an opportunity to vote in statewide races. They are accountable to all the voters in the state not just those in a certain “rigged map”. Just because the… Read more »
A statewide election doesn’t begin and end with the offices of governor, treasurer, secretary of state, etc. It also encompasses all political offices being contested in that same election – county board, mayor, judges, dog catcher, etc. Show me a single ballot with the candidates for state office EXCLUDING candidates for lots of other offices. You can’t. THAT is a statewide election. And with all those local choices on that ballot, the rigged map can and does have a deleterious effect on voters.
We clearly have a different definition of statewide office. Republicans didn’t win one statewide office. Maps have no impact on that. So “rigged maps” did not cause that.
You can change the definition of statewide election to your own meaning but that doesn’t make it true.
Statewide office . . . statewide election. You’re moving the goalpost. Look at your original post.
Mark-Here is an interactive map on the 2020 presidential election.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2020/11/5/21551366/illinois-presidential-election-results-2020-county-map
Here is an interactive map on the Governors race.
https://www.politico.com/2022-election/results/illinois/statewide-offices/
I am surprised that Winnebago County voted for Bailey but probably not Rockford. If you take out Cook County and maybe just Chicago-Bailey would have won.
Pritzker’s continued denial that Illinois is losing population is typical of other Democrat idiocy like there being more than two genders, that money is simply printed, that solar panels work at night and that windmills work in calm air. Democrats are irrational and instead function based on their feelings. Democrats can’t handle the truth.
Massive migration to WI. No wonder why lake front properties are so expensive: https://www.redfin.com/WI/East-Troy/W2186-Wilmers-Grove-Rd-53120/home/89489263 $599,000 Public Remarks: Glamping at the lake has never been so delightful. This 2 BR, 1BA open concept cottage sets at waters edge with a 33′ x 11′ elevated deck, pier, and wet boat house (poor condition). It is amazingly spacious with cathedral ceiling and wall of lakeview windows. Being Sold ”As Is” for Re-Development. Set on a 320′ deep lot with 41′ frontage and panoramic views from potential new build site, ideal for basement walkout. Recent updates include in/out paint, kitchen counter top, new electric… Read more »
I believe we’ll see an even greater outmigration in 2022. I’m one of those who put Illinois in my rear view mirror last year. I’ve been in Indiana for 7 months and have been asking a variety of people if they are frequently encountering transplanted Illinoisans. From the car mechanic to the county assessor’s office, primary care physician and the restaurant waitstaff, all of them felt they’ve talked with an increasing number of people who have moved from Illinois. The continuing exodus of one-way U-Hauls can be ignored by the politicians until it can no longer be ignored. What wrath… Read more »
JJ, it’s 2023 but your comments on those of us remaining are spot on. I’m actually think of moving the the UP of Michigan. This way I’ll be far from Detroit and Chicago. If I need something from a big city there’s always Green Bay.
UP Michigan won’t save you. Michigan has gone 51% Democrat because they want to flush the state down the toilet, again. Just move to far northern Wisconsin instead. At least they have a really Republican legislature, federal reps and a R senator that just handily won re-election. Michigan is hopeless. Michigan just got rid of Right to Work as their neighbors attract new plants and manufacturing in OH and IN. Talk about stupidity and arrogance. I’ve always bought American cars until now. After Michigan voted Democrat, and went progressive, after all President Trump did for them, I said I’ll never… Read more »
You’re saying you didn’t want to wait for the EV plants that will rise from the cornfields in Illinois?
Oh, yeah, that, uh, I’ll buy an EV built in, uh, Marion or Kewanee, as soon as they build a factor there, sure….LOL
Well I’ll admit it’s not an ideal solution. My experience in Michigan is similar to Illinois. The farther you get from larger cities the more grounded in reality the people become.
I’m not so sure Trump was honestly defeated in Michigan as they papered over the windows of Cobo Hall “to count ballots.” However, the icing on the cake was re-electing Wretchen Nitwit.
Both elections were stolen. The only places I believe Democrats legitimately win are in CA, NJ, CT, OR,WA, MA & VT. The rest of their ‘wins’ in GA, NC, NV, AZ, PA, WI etc are stolen. The elections are always too close and the late night ballot drops from the biggest city always secures that late night victory for the D candidate.
(raises hand) Anybody here tried Missouri, Kentucky or Tennessee?
Indiana is the best choice hands down. Anyone that actually did their research knows that.
Them fightin’ worlds. Wisconsin is the best choice.
Governor Fat Fredo lies about the out migration because he knows that Democrat voters are, as a whole, pretty dumb and uninformed. They just buy into whatever the Democrat media says. So he knows he can get away with it, at least for a time. But it will catch up to those voters when they get the tax bill for all the “free” stuff because nobody is left to pay for it.
Here’s another nail in the coffin for San Fran. Chicago is next and why people are moving out of large urban areas. This collapse is spreading like a bad case of an STD.
https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/house-cards-waiting-collapse-major-130000758.html
Funny that the two states Illinois draws the most residents from – Connecticut and New Jersey – have the worst credit ratings and most pension debt in the country. In fact, I think NJ is the only state with higher property taxes than Illinois. You could say Illinois is their home away from home.
Anyone else notice that Illinois had a net loss of ONE resident to NY? Wonder who that resident was…. 🙂
Maybe that famous French actor, Juissie Smolliett . . .
Illinoisans are fed up with the corrupt Dem and public sector union control of da state.
Remember to give both the “one” finger salute as you cross da border to IN, WI, IA, etc.!!