ILLINOIS — A new wave of Census data has reignited debate among political leaders as Illinois is now losing residents under age 18 faster than any other state. The troubling trend has sparked competing narratives on who’s to blame — and what the path forward looks like.
Pritzker Shrugs Off Youth Exodus Numbers
When asked about the data after a campaign rally in Chicago, Governor J.B. Pritzker acknowledged the trend but downplayed its significance.
“You’ve got to look at all the data and understand that every state has people that leave and come,” Pritzker said in remarks shared with The Center Square. “The point is to get net improvement in population.”
Although Illinois saw a slight population increase over the last year, the state has still lost overall population since 2020, with the under-18 age group showing the steepest decline.
Republican Leaders Blame High Taxes, Economic Policy
Illinois GOP Chair Kathy Salvi was quick to pin the blame on the current administration’s policies. She pointed to rising taxes and government spending as factors driving families out of the state.
“Under Republican leadership you will find responsible control of government and getting government out of the lives of ordinary families,” Salvi stated. “That’s the difference between Republican and Democrat.”
Salvi said that businesses and families are increasingly opting for “more tax-friendly states,” taking jobs and community infrastructure with them. She framed the youth flight trend as a direct consequence of what she called the “Pritzker legacy.”
Stratton Defends Administration’s Focus on Youth Investment
Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton, who recently announced her campaign to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin, responded with a defense of Pritzker’s youth-centered initiatives.
“When I think about erasing medical debt, when I think about making college more affordable, when I think about the pathways to the trades and jobs, community college, even child care — those are things that Gov. Pritzker and I have delivered on here in Illinois.”
Stratton emphasized that her administration is already addressing systemic barriers for young people and families by investing in affordability and opportunity.
More Than Just the Young Leaving Illinois
In addition to being No. 1 for youth population loss, Illinois also ranked sixth in the nation for loss of working-age residents — those between 19 and 64 years old. The combined trend of young and working-age outmigration raises red flags for the state’s long-term economic outlook.
This dual flight of youth and workforce threatens everything from tax base sustainability to future labor market growth — further fueling political infighting over solutions.
Do you believe the youth flight in Illinois is due to poor policy decisions — or is it part of a broader national migration trend? Share your thoughts now at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
