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People leaving
| Period | Net moves to other states |
|---|---|
| April to July 2020 | −25,229 |
| 2020-21 | −108,364 |
| 2021-22 | −149,904 |
| 2022-23 | −79,784 |
| 2023-24 | −53,080 |
| 2024-25 | −40,017 |
| Total, April 2020 to July 2025 | −456,378 |
U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 state estimates (NST-EST2025-ALLDATA). The total is our sum of the Census rows. Census tables · data file
The honest picture: the outflow has shrunk every year since 2022, and Illinois' total population grew in 2024 and 2025 because of international arrivals (+111,121 and +44,752). Take those out and more people still leave for other states than come from them. Over the whole period the state went from 12,821,741 people (April 2020) to 12,719,141 (July 2025). Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
The neighbors went the other way in 2024-25: Indiana gained about 12,200 people from other states, and Missouri about 14,000. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Jobs
Illinois' unemployment rate was 4.7% in August 2026 (seasonally adjusted), against 4.1% nationally, and up 0.4 points over the year while the national rate fell. Payroll jobs grew 0.2% over the year, against 0.4% nationally. Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security, Sept 17, 2026.
On the Tax Foundation's 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index, which businesses read when they pick a state, Illinois ranks 38th and Indiana 10th. Source: Tax Foundation.
Here at home
Logan Correctional Center
The state has announced plans to close Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln and build an 800-bed women's facility in Crest Hill, near Joliet. That is more than 400 jobs. The state has not given Lincoln a closing date. Source: WGLT, June 5, 2026; WGLT, Sept 5, 2026. AFSCME, the state workers' union, counted 454 employees and said the prison could be rebuilt on or near the Lincoln site. Source: WGLT, May 21, 2024.
Lincoln Developmental Center
The 100-acre Lincoln Developmental Center site has been empty since 2002. The state has included it in a $300 million site readiness initiative, with plans to clean up the property. Source: WGLT, Sept 5, 2026.
Play Keep Lincoln Working, our game about the jobs at Logan Correctional Center.
More issues
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Springfield's choices land on Logan County.
Every race on the ballot counts, from the County Board to the Governor. Vote early at the Courthouse, Room 20, or on November 3.