Illinois boasts a rich history, culture, and natural splendor, yet it grapples with various challenges, including elevated taxes, governance issues, crime, and unemployment.
These difficulties have prompted numerous residents to seek better opportunities and an enhanced quality of life beyond the state. Recent data from the Census Bureau reveals a substantial exodus from Illinois, with a loss of over 142,000 people from July 2021 to July 2022.
This makes Illinois the second-least favored state in the nation, following New York. The following seven towns within Illinois are witnessing a significant outmigration, as evidenced by population changes, median income, median home values, poverty rates, crime rates, and other key indicators.
| Town | Population Change (2010-2020) | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Poverty Rate | Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Cairo | -37.90% | $20,833 | $38,800 | 47.40% | 69.5 |
| Harvey | -16.80% | $27,760 | $68,900 | 34.60% | 75.8 |
| Rockford | -5.10% | $43,822 | $92,000 | 24.10% | 64.9 |
| Danville | -10.40% | $36,121 | $66,200 | 26.50% | 54.4 |
| Kankakee | -5.80% | $36,359 | $87,900 | 28.90% | 49.8 |
| Decatur | -9.50% | $43,654 | $82,400 | 22.40% | 46.5 |
| Peoria | -4.50% | $51,458 | $125,500 | 19.90% | 45.3 |
Cairo
Cairo, situated in Alexander County at the southern tip of Illinois, marks the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Once a bustling commercial and transportation center, Cairo has experienced significant decline since the mid-20th century, attributed to factors such as racial tensions, economic downturns, and natural disasters.
With a current population of only 1,742, there has been a notable 37.9% decrease since 2010. The town reports a median household income of $20,833, a median home value of $38,800, and a substantial poverty rate of 47.4%. Additionally, Cairo faces a high crime rate of 69.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 117%.
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Harvey
Harvey, situated in Cook County and south of Chicago, was once a thriving industrial city. However, it has faced challenges such as deindustrialization, corruption, and mismanagement. With a current population of 24,641, Harvey has experienced a 16.8% decrease since 2010.
The city’s economic indicators reflect its difficulties, with a median household income of $27,760, a median home value of $68,900, and a high poverty rate of 34.6%. Additionally, Harvey grapples with a notable crime rate of 75.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 129%.
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Rockford
Rockford, situated in Winnebago County in the northern region of Illinois, is the state’s third-largest city, boasting a population of 144,602. However, it has experienced a 5.1% decline in population since 2010.
The city of Rockford presents a median household income of $43,822, a median home value of $92,000, and a poverty rate of 24.1%. Notably, Rockford grapples with a high crime rate, standing at 64.9 incidents per 1,000 residents—108% higher than the national average.
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Danville
Danville, situated in Vermilion County on the eastern side of Illinois near the Indiana border, was historically a significant hub for coal mining and manufacturing.
However, the city has experienced economic downturn and a decline in population since the 1980s. Currently, Danville has a population of 30,479, reflecting a 10.4% decrease since 2010.
The city’s economic indicators include a median household income of $36,121, a median home value of $66,200, and a notable poverty rate of 26.5%. Additionally, Danville faces a high crime rate of 54.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is 90% higher than the national average.
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Kankakee
Kankakee, once a thriving agricultural and industrial hub, has faced economic stagnation and social challenges in recent decades.
With a population of 25,994, Kankakee has seen a 5.8% decline since 2010. The city has a median household income of $36,359, a median home value of $87,900, and a poverty rate of 28.9%. Additionally, Kankakee grapples with a high crime rate of 49.8 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 82%.
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Decatur
Decatur, situated in Macon County, in the central region of Illinois, is recognized for its manufacturing and agricultural sectors. However, the city has encountered various challenges, including environmental pollution, labor disputes, and outsourcing.
With a current population of 70,746, Decatur has experienced a 9.5% decrease since 2010. The city exhibits a median household income of $43,654, a median home value of $82,400, and a poverty rate of 22.4%. Notably, Decatur grapples with a high crime rate of 46.5 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 77%.
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Peoria
Peoria, with a population of 110,417, is the largest city in the state outside the Chicago metropolitan area. However, it has experienced a 4.5% decline in population since 2010.
The city’s statistics include a median household income of $51,458, a median home value of $125,500, and a poverty rate of 19.9%. Additionally, Peoria faces a high crime rate of 45.3 per 1,000 residents, which is 75% above the national average.
Final Words
People are swiftly leaving certain towns in Illinois, driven by factors like high taxes, ineffective governance, crime, poverty, unemployment, the cost of living, or a lack of opportunities.
Despite potential positive aspects such as historical or cultural significance, these towns are burdened by overwhelming negative factors, making them unappealing and unsustainable for numerous residents. Unless these towns can reverse their decline and tackle their challenges, they will persist in losing their allure and population.
