Population of Illinois
Current Population
12,547,915
10yr Growth Rate
-2.2%
Rank
#6 of 50
Population Over Time
Analysis# Illinois Population Analysis
Illinois's population of 12.55 million in 2024 represents a 2.2% decline over the past decade, marking a reversal from its historical trajectory as the nation's sixth-most populous state. The state's growth peaked during the 1930s, a counterintuitive period of expansion during the Great Depression, reflecting Chicago's industrial dominance at that time. This recent contraction contrasts sharply with Illinois's long-term demographic arc from 1900–2024, indicating accelerating out-migration likely driven by cost-of-living pressures and regional economic shifts.
Historical Population Data
| Year | Population | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12,547,915 | -0.01% |
| 2023 | 12,549,689 | -0.26% |
| 2022 | 12,582,515 | -0.85% |
| 2021 | 12,690,341 | -0.95% |
| 2020 | 12,812,508 | -0.14% |
| 2010 | 12,830,632 | +3.31% |
| 2000 | 12,419,293 | +8.65% |
| 1990 | 11,430,602 | +0.04% |
| 1980 | 11,426,518 | +2.81% |
| 1970 | 11,113,976 | +10.25% |
| 1960 | 10,081,158 | +15.71% |
| 1950 | 8,712,176 | +10.32% |
| 1940 | 7,897,241 | +3.49% |
| 1930 | 7,630,654 | +17.66% |
| 1920 | 6,485,280 | +15.02% |
| 1910 | 5,638,591 | +16.95% |
| 1900 | 4,821,550 | — |