Illinois Faces Declining Youth Population, Editorial Warns

A recent editorial published by the Chicago Tribune expresses concern over the decreasing population of young individuals in Illinois, stating that this trend brings serious implications for the state’s economic and social vitality. It warns that a reduced youth demographic indicates diminished civic energy and creativity, which are crucial for building a robust workforce and ensuring the future prosperity of Illinois.

The editorial board notes that the state is witnessing an aging population more rapidly than the national average. They appealed to Governor J.B. Pritzker to take decisive action in addressing this challenge, stressing the urgent need for Illinois to attract and retain younger residents. In response to these growing concerns, Pritzker has endorsed legislation aimed at making college education more accessible and affordable, particularly in light of research indicating that nearly half of high school graduates are leaving the state for college elsewhere, with many not returning.

The board emphasized that there is a significant risk associated with this trend, as data suggests a 70% likelihood that students attending out-of-state universities may not come back to Illinois. Meanwhile, statistics show that the median age in Illinois has risen to 39.4 years, an increase of five years since 2000. The editorial explains that although Illinois was younger than the national average in the past, the state currently has a growing retiree population that adds to its demographic challenges.

From 2020 to 2024, the number of prime-age working adults in Illinois decreased by 1%, contrasting with a 2% increase in these demographics across the United States. The editorial attributes the decline in young residents to a combination of factors including population loss, outmigration, and low birth rates. It points out that fewer women of childbearing age are remaining in the state due to ongoing outmigration, and those who do stay are having fewer children compared to their peers in other regions of the country. As a result, Illinois faces a demographic crisis that could significantly affect its workforce, tax revenue, and overall economic health in the long run.