Illinois’ sputtering population growth

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that Illinois had the sixth-lowest population growth in the nation in 2013. The state’s population growth was just 0.11 percent, adding only 14,000 people to its population of nearly 13 million people. Other large states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and Texas grew seven to 13 times faster than...

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that Illinois had the sixth-lowest population growth in the nation in 2013. The state’s population growth was just 0.11 percent, adding only 14,000 people to its population of nearly 13 million people.

Other large states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and Texas grew seven to 13 times faster than Illinois did in 2013. These states’ pro-growth policies are attracting workers and businesses, resulting in a higher population growth and more opportunities for residents.

Even California, despite its economic problems, managed to grow eight times faster than Illinois.

Illinois didn’t just lose out to the big states. Every one of Illinois’ neighbors grew at a faster pace. Wisconsin grew three times faster than Illinois. Indiana, five times faster.

Illinois’ three-year population growth numbers are just as disheartening. From 2010 to 2013, Illinois added just 42,000 people. In contrast, Indiana, half the size of Illinois, added more than 80,000.

California added nearly 1 million people in that time frame, while Texas grew by 1.2 million.

Illinois’ sputtering population growth is just another confirmation that the state’s botched government policies are hurting economic growth and sapping the state of future job creation.

Illinois’ jobless rate has gone up more in the last five years than any other state in the nation.



And from the United Van Lines’ 37th Annual Migration Study, which “tracks the states the company’s customers move to and from during the course of the year,” Illinois had the second-highest outbound traffic for the second year in a row. In 2011, Illinois was first. People are leaving the state in droves.

Illinois’ low population growth, high unemployment and high outmigration aren’t a formula for increased individual prosperity. Instead, they are a signal that the state’s current policies of overspending, massive borrowing and high taxation are chasing people away.