Illinois Ranks Third Nationwide for Residents Leaving

Illinois continued to lose residents to other states at one of the highest rates in the country, according to new population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, Illinois recorded a net domestic migration loss of more than 40,000 residents, ranking third nationwide for outbound domestic migration, behind only California and New York.

Although Illinois experienced a slight overall population increase during that period, Census data show the growth was driven almost entirely by international migration. The state added residents from abroad, offsetting continued losses to other states. Without international migration, Illinois would have posted another year of overall population decline, as the number of residents moving away exceeded the state’s natural population change from births and deaths.

Recent Census estimates place Illinois’ total population at just under 12.7 million residents in mid-2025. However, the state has experienced net domestic migration losses for more than a decade, a trend that has reshaped communities and workforce patterns across Illinois.

Data from both the U.S. Census Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service’s migration statistics show that many former Illinois residents relocate to states in the South and West, including Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Indiana. These states generally have lower overall tax burdens and, in several cases, no state income tax. According to data from the Tax Foundation, Illinois ranks among the higher states nationally for combined state and local tax collections as a share of income.

State Senators Sally Turner and Steve McClure said the latest figures mirror concerns they frequently hear from constituents about affordability and economic opportunity. They said the continued domestic outmigration underscores the need for policies aimed at lowering costs, reducing tax burdens, strengthening job growth, and creating an environment where families and businesses feel confident putting down long-term roots in Illinois.