Pritzker announces Census updating Illinois’ count by 46,400 people

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office says it will continue challenging the state’s estimated population decline. Others say Illinois leaders need to enact business friendly policies to grow, instead of denying the state is shrinking.

Millions more federal tax dollars could be coming to Illinois after Pritzker announced the U.S. Census Bureau approved the state’s request to include 46,400 Illinoisans to the rolls moving forward.

After Pritzker and Democratic leaders requested a review, the Census agreed it missed or undercounted the 2020 Census for those living in group facilities. Undercounted or missed were 733 group quarters for a total of 46,400 people, including thousands living in places like senior living facilities and dormitory settings.

“I’m pleased that the Census Bureau has recognized the undercounting that I and many members of Illinois’ Congressional Delegation have worked to remedy since the 2020 census results were first released,” Pritzker said in a statement. “This correction will bring in millions in additional federal funding for crucial programs and help to ensure future counts reflect the true number of Illinois residents.”

Annual Census estimates released last month showed a decade of decline for Illinois. In the eighth year of the decline, 2020, Illinois lost 79,500. The following year, Illinois lost more than 107,000 people. In the tenth year of decline through July 1, 2023, the state lost 32,800.