Illinois, the Prairie State, has seen significant demographic changes over the past decade. Some towns and cities, once thriving hubs of community and industry, are now witnessing declining populations. A combination of economic downturns, high taxes, rising crime rates, and diminishing job opportunities have contributed to an exodus from certain parts of the state. This trend has persisted into 2024, with several towns seeing increasing numbers of residents moving to other parts of Illinois or even out of state altogether. This article explores the seven Illinois towns experiencing the highest out-migration in 2024, offering insights into the reasons behind this demographic shift.
Cairo: A Town Struggling with Economic Decline
Cairo, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, was once a bustling river port with immense historical significance. Known for its role in trade and transportation during the 19th century, Cairo’s economy was once buoyed by its strategic location. However, by the 20th century, the town began to experience a sharp economic decline. Industries closed, and job opportunities dwindled.
As of 2024, Cairo’s population continues to shrink. The town has a population of just under 2,000 residents, a steep decline from its peak of 15,000 in the early 1900s. This mass exodus can be attributed to the lack of employment opportunities, failing infrastructure, and the closure of schools. Many residents have fled to neighboring towns or larger cities such as St. Louis, Missouri, in search of better prospects.
Cairo’s struggles reflect broader issues faced by small rural towns across America. While efforts have been made to revitalize the community, the challenges of economic redevelopment, combined with an aging population, continue to fuel the out-migration trend.
Rockford: Crime Rates and Economic Stagnation
Rockford, Illinois, once hailed as the “Furniture Capital of the World,” has experienced a tumultuous journey in recent years. It was once a manufacturing powerhouse, boasting a robust industrial base that supported its population and economy. However, the decline in manufacturing, coupled with rising crime rates, has led to an increasing number of residents leaving the city.
Rockford’s crime rate has been a significant driver of out-migration. In 2024, the city’s crime rate stands at 8.6 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, well above the national average. This, along with economic stagnation, has made it less attractive for families and businesses.
The unemployment rate in Rockford remains higher than the national average, hovering around 6.7% in 2024. While some industries and educational institutions, such as Rock Valley College, continue to provide a base for the local economy, many residents have chosen to relocate to nearby Chicago or even out of state to seek better employment opportunities.
Danville: Shrinking Job Market and Outmigration
Danville, located near the Indiana border, has been a key industrial town in Illinois. Historically, it was home to a variety of industries, including coal mining, manufacturing, and rail transport. However, as these industries have declined, so too has Danville’s population.
As of 2024, Danville has seen a population decline of over 12% since the 2010 census, with around 29,000 residents remaining. The job market in Danville has contracted, especially in manufacturing and healthcare, leading to higher unemployment rates and a shrinking tax base.
The educational and healthcare systems have also struggled to maintain standards due to the reduced funding caused by population loss. This has led to further out-migration, as families move to areas with better schools and healthcare services. Many former residents have moved to nearby cities such as Champaign or Indianapolis, where job prospects are better.
Decatur: Industrial Decline and High Taxes
Decatur, known for its agricultural and industrial roots, is another Illinois town experiencing significant out-migration in 2024. The city’s economy was once heavily reliant on industries such as food processing, with companies like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) playing a pivotal role in its growth. However, the decline of local industries and the rise of automation have drastically reduced job opportunities.
Adding to Decatur’s economic challenges are the state’s high property taxes, which are some of the highest in the nation. In 2024, Illinois residents face an average property tax rate of 2.27%, with Decatur being no exception. This has placed an added financial burden on homeowners and has driven many to relocate to areas with more affordable living costs.
Young professionals and families, in particular, have been fleeing Decatur, seeking better career opportunities in cities like Springfield and Champaign. As a result, Decatur’s population has dwindled to just over 69,000, a sharp contrast to its peak population of over 94,000 in the 1970s.
Peoria: A City Facing Corporate Downsizing
Peoria, located along the Illinois River, has long been synonymous with the Caterpillar Corporation, a global leader in construction and mining equipment. For decades, Peoria thrived as a key manufacturing hub. However, in recent years, Caterpillar has downsized and shifted its headquarters out of Peoria, leading to a significant economic blow to the city.
Peoria’s economy has struggled to diversify in the wake of Caterpillar’s downsizing, and many residents have opted to move to cities with more stable job markets. The population of Peoria has declined to around 111,000 in 2024, continuing a trend of shrinking numbers.
Infrastructure decline and a decrease in public services have exacerbated the exodus. With fewer high-paying jobs and a stagnant economy, Peoria’s younger population is seeking better opportunities elsewhere, particularly in cities like Chicago or Indianapolis.
East St. Louis: Crime and Poverty Driving Residents Away
East St. Louis, located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, has long been associated with high crime rates, poverty, and urban decay. The city has struggled with these issues for decades, and despite efforts at revitalization, the problems persist in 2024.
East St. Louis has one of the highest crime rates in Illinois, with a violent crime rate of 24.4 per 1,000 residents. The poverty rate, too, is alarmingly high, hovering around 40%, far above the national average. The combination of these factors has led to a continued outflow of residents, many of whom are seeking safer environments with better economic opportunities.
The population of East St. Louis has dropped to around 18,000 in 2024, a significant decline from its mid-20th century peak of over 80,000. The city’s challenges with crime, poverty, and deteriorating infrastructure make it one of the Illinois towns people are leaving in droves.
Harvey: Declining Infrastructure and Increasing Crime
Harvey, located in the southern suburbs of Chicago, has seen its fortunes decline in recent decades. Once a thriving industrial town, Harvey has faced economic decline, rising crime rates, and decaying infrastructure. These factors have driven many residents to seek better living conditions elsewhere.
The crime rate in Harvey is among the highest in Cook County, and the local economy has been slow to recover from the loss of its industrial base. Many residents have been drawn to neighboring suburbs like Tinley Park and Homewood, which offer better schools, safer streets, and more job opportunities.
In 2024, Harvey’s population has dwindled to just under 20,000, a stark contrast to its peak population of over 30,000 in the 1970s. The exodus of residents is likely to continue unless significant investments are made to revitalize the city’s economy and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The towns and cities highlighted in this article illustrate the broader challenges facing many regions in Illinois. Economic decline, rising crime rates, high taxes, and decaying infrastructure are common threads that weave through the stories of these towns. As residents continue to flee in search of better opportunities, these areas face increasingly difficult challenges in reversing the tide of population loss.
However, not all hope is lost. Some towns and cities are working on revitalization efforts, investing in infrastructure, attracting new businesses, and creating more livable environments. Whether these efforts will be enough to stem the outflow of residents remains to be seen, but Illinois’ history of resilience offers some optimism for the future.