On January 27, the U.S. Census Bureau released its Vintage 2025 Population Estimates. The new population figures, which estimate the 2025 population using a baseline figure from the 2020 Census, show that the overall U.S. population grew by 0.5% (or 1.8M people). This was the nation’s slowest population growth since the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when the population grew by 0.2%. The slower national growth in 2025 also comes on the heels of a sizable uptick in 2024, when the country grew by 1.0% (or 3.2M people). In 2025, births and deaths were relatively stable compared to the prior year. The slowdown in growth is almost entirely due to a historic decline in net international migration, which dropped from 2.7M to 1.3M people from July 2024 to July 2025, largely prompted by the Trump administration’s crackdowns.

The Census estimates show that Illinois experienced a slight gain in population over the last year. The state grew by 0.001%, or an estimated 16,108 residents in 2025. This increase was 77% lower than the 69,644 residents added in 2024. The Midwest was the only region where all states gained population from July 2024 to July 2025, but the states varied in how much of an increase they observed. For example, Michigan added 27,992 residents, Ohio added 39,889 residents, and Iowa added 7,933 residents. Many states with a similar population size to Illinois saw little or no population gain, with New York only adding 1,008 residents, California losing 9,465 residents, and Pennsylvania adding 13,584 residents. The two outliers were Florida and Texas, which added 196,680 and 391,243 residents, respectively.

Mirroring national trends, slowing net international migration was the primary factor behind Illinois’ slower population growth in 2025. The Chicago area has long been one of the country’s leading destinations for international immigrants, helping drive both recent and historic population growth in the state of Illinois. After a year of significant international migration in 2024, the number of new international arrivals to Illinois decreased by 60% in 2025 to only 44,752. The level of international immigration to Illinois was roughly comparable to 40,492 international immigrants who arrived between July 2022 and July 2023, at the tail-end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other Midwest states saw varying levels of international immigration, with Wisconsin receiving 7,260, Ohio 28,505, and Michigan 32,502 international immigrants. Other large-population states saw much higher levels of international immigration, with New York adding 95,634 international immigrants, California adding 109,278 international immigrants, and Texas adding 167,475 international immigrants.

Alternatively, Illinois’ longstanding trend of domestic outmigration showed improvement, despite the state continuing to shed residents to other states. About 40,000 residents left Illinois for other states in 2025, compared to the 56,235 people who left for other states between July 2023 and July 2024 and the 83,839 residents who left between July 2022 and July 2023, representing the lowest domestic outmigration total in the last 15 years.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

February 6 – Bill Introduction Deadline

February 18 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address

March 13 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline (Senate)

March 27 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline (House)

April 17 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 8 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline

May 22 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline

May 31 – Adjournment

In the News

Opinion: The Midwest is becoming a population magnet again. Here’s a chance for Illinois to grow – Chicago Tribune, January 30, 2026

The census data just released brought fantastic news for us hale and hearty Midwesterners: We’re growing.

Illinois Democratic hopefuls for US Senate agree Trump poses constitutional crisis but other differences emerge – Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2026

The three leading Democratic candidates vying for the March 17 primary nomination to the U.S. Senate agreed Thursday night the nation is facing a constitutional crisis and hurled invectives at President Donald Trump, with each arguing they would be best equipped to rein in his administration if elected to Washington.

Top candidates for the US House in Illinois’ 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 9th districts for the 2026 election – Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2026

Illinois’ congressional delegation is getting a makeover. In the March 17 Democratic primary, voters will decide who fills five open U.S. House seats in the Chicago area.

Illinois job growth slows after late-year 2025 losses – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 29, 2026

The number of jobs in Illinois fell for a second straight month to close out the year, marking the steepest drop-off since the post-pandemic employment rebound began five years ago — and providing another potential warning sign of a shaky economy.

Indiana Senate passes Chicago Bears stadium bill – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 28, 2026

Indiana senators today signaled their approval for building a stadium for the Chicago Bears in the Hoosier state. The bill would establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to issue bonds, acquire land, finance capital improvements and enter into leases with private entities.

Groups call for weather-related protections for IL workers – Audacy, January 28, 2026

There’s a new call for Illinois lawmakers to ensure state workers are protected from extreme cold and heat on the job. All things advocates say the Workplace Extreme Temperature Safety Act would help address.

Illinois lawmakers look for solutions as farmers see financial troubles due to tariffs and inflation – WGLT, January 28, 2026

Illinois lawmakers are looking to support farmers who are facing financial challenges because of tariffs, inflation and a more competitive foreign market.

Leading candidates for Illinois’ open Senate seat debate federal immigration enforcement, campaign finance – The Daily Line, January 27, 2026

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton went on the offensive against U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) Monday night, criticizing the two members of Congress for taking corporate PAC money and not being harsh enough on federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Immigration decline slows Illinois population growth to a trickle – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 28, 2026

The state’s population kept growing last year, albeit just barely, as it felt the impact of a massive decline in international immigration that led the U.S. to its slowest growth since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New SNAP work requirements start Feb. 1 – Chicago Tribune, January 27, 2026

New SNAP work requirements set to go into effect Sunday. As the deadline looms, officials urged those on SNAP to notify the Illinois Department of Human Services of their work status or eligible exemptions so as not to risk losing benefits.

Illinois Lawmakers to Begin Budget Talks with Shortfalls, Elections in Mind – Taylorville Daily News, January 27, 2026

Elected officials in Springfield will look to come to terms on a state budget for the coming year. However, the process this time is expected to be more difficult. Pandemic-era federal

relief will soon expire, requiring officials to either make cuts or find revenue elsewhere

Illinois law hiding officials’ personal info alarms press advocates – Chicago Tribune, January 26, 2026

Amid growing national fears about politically motivated violence and threats, Illinois lawmakers moved swiftly last fall to pass a sweeping statute allowing public officials to shield their personal information from public view.

‘They deserve their story’: Bill aims to open foster care files – The Center Square, January 24, 2026

Illinois lawmakers are moving to ensure families adopting children from the state’s foster care system receive complete information about a child’s history, including medical, educational, and counseling records, at least 30 days before an adoption is finalized.

Judge rules Trump administration must keep funding child care subsidies in 5 states for now, including Illinois – Chicago Tribune, January 23, 2026

A federal judge ruled Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must keep federal funds flowing to child care subsidies and other social service programs in five Democratic-controlled states — at least for now.

JB Pritzker hits back at State Farm over tighter insurance regulations proposal – Chicago Sun-Times, January 23, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker ratcheted up the heat Friday against a top Illinois insurance executive, aiming to correct what he called “factual inaccuracies” in the CEO’s staunch opposition to tighter state oversight of the industry.

Affordability — or the lack of it — will define Chicago’s housing market this year, experts say – Chicago Sun-Times, January 30, 2026

Though home sales remain strong, a dwindling number of listings combined with steady demand means more competition among buyers, which could motivate sellers to raise prices.

Bond investors weary as Johnson and City Council continue budget fight – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 30, 2026

Chicago’s general obligation bonds are struggling in the market amid lingering tension between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council over the 2026 budget that could be causing “headline risk,” according to analysts.

Cook County loses road money suit as judge rules $243M misspent – Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2026

A Circuit Court judge ruled this week that Cook County misspent hundreds of millions of transportation dollars, a win for the trade association representing construction firms statewide.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson targets ICE accountability – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 28, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson today said Chicago will soon roll out new policies aimed at holding federal immigration agents criminally accountable for misconduct, casting the city as a potential national test case for prosecuting abuses by ICE and Border Patrol officers.

National Guard Deployment to Chicago Cost $21M, Congressional Budget Office Says – WTTW, January 28, 2026

The decision by the Trump administration to send 375 members of the Texas and Illinois National Guard to Chicago cost taxpayers $21 million, according to a new report by the Congressional Budget Office.

Chief judge reforming electronic monitoring program – Chicago Sun-Times, January 28, 2026

Cook County’s court system will begin responding sooner to violators of its home confinement program, the Office of the Chief Judge announced Wednesday.

Health and human relations committee approves resolution calling for utility shutoff pause, holds immigration hearing with MN city lawmakers – The Daily Line, January 28, 2026

Alderpeople on the Committee on Health and Human Relations on Tuesday approved a measure that calls on the governor to pause utility shutoffs for residents amid the ongoing immigration enforcement campaign in the Chicago region and as stricter food stamp benefit requirements will soon go into effect.

Loop retail vacancy drops for the second year in a row – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 28, 2026

Retail vacancy in Chicago’s central business district ticked down slightly in 2025 for the second year in a row, a bit of welcome news for an area that’s struggled with empty storefronts over the last several years.

Trump factor looms as Johnson questions Chicago’s shot at 2028 DNC – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 28, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson today cast doubt on Chicago’s budding bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, citing concerns about whether a Trump White House would cooperate on security and federal support.

Civic Federation pokes holes in Chicago’s alternative budget – Chicago Sun-Times, January 26, 2026

The $16.6 billion 2026 budget approved by a City Council majority that rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax is a “slight improvement,” but puts the burden on taxpayers, gives labor a pass and falls short on cost-cutting, a new report warned Monday.

Trump signs Chicago Harbor Lock funding cuts into law – Chicago Tribune, January 26, 2026

The Chicago Harbor Lock is expected to see its federal funding cut by more than 90% this year after an effort by Illinois lawmakers to secure more money for the busy stop lock and dam failed.

Chicago bids to host 2028, 2032 Democratic conventions – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 23, 2026

Buoyed by their success last time, local officials are moving to lure both the 2028 and 2032 Democratic National Conventions back to Chicago.

CTA leader hopes to get Red Line project dispute resolved soon – Crain’s Chicago Business, January 23, 2026

The head of the Chicago Transit Authority says the city hopes a dispute with the federal government over funding of the extension of Red Line will be resolved soon.