Fastest Growing Cities in Illinois Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980 are making headlines, while many large US cities have been losing people since 1980. This shift is fascinating! Some small towns in Illinois are booming with new residents, jobs, and opportunities. Meanwhile, big cities like Chicago and Detroit are seeing their populations shrink. In this blog post, we’ll explore why some Illinois cities are growing so fast, which ones are leading the pack, and why many large US cities are getting smaller. Plus, we’ll look at what this means for the future. Let’s dive in!
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Why Are Some Illinois Cities Growing So Fast?
Illinois is a mix of big cities, small towns, and everything in between. While Chicago grabs most of the attention, smaller cities are quietly growing. So, what’s driving this growth in the fastest growing cities in Illinois? Here are a few reasons:
- Affordable Homes: Smaller cities like Elgin and Yorkville offer cheaper houses compared to Chicago. For example, the median home price in Elgin is around $259,000, much lower than Chicago’s $350,000.
- Job Opportunities: New businesses and industries are popping up in these cities, creating jobs. For instance, Warrenville added 1,106 new residents in 2021, likely due to nearby job growth.
- Quality of Life: People want safer neighborhoods, good schools, and a quieter life. Small towns like Huntley, which grew 354.6% since 2000, offer just that.
- Post-COVID Trends: After the pandemic, many people moved away from crowded cities to rural or suburban areas. A Gallup poll showed 48% of Americans prefer living in towns or rural areas.
These factors make Illinois’ smaller cities attractive. Now, let’s look at which cities are growing the fastest.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Illinois Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980
The Fastest Growing Cities in Illinois Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980are mostly small towns or suburbs near Chicago. Based on recent data, here’s a list of the top 10 cities that saw the biggest population increases:
- Volo: This small town grew the fastest in 2024, with a huge population jump since 2010. Its peaceful vibe and new homes draw families.
- Pingree Grove: With a 34% growth rate from 2010 to 2014, Pingree Grove is booming. Nearby forest preserves make it a nature lover’s dream.
- Hampshire: Another Kane County star, Hampshire is growing fast thanks to new housing and jobs. It’s close to Chicago but feels like a small town.
- Manhattan: This city’s population is rising steadily. Affordable homes and a friendly community make it popular.
- Yorkville: Yorkville added 995 residents in 2021 alone. Its schools and parks are a big draw for families.
- Gilberts: With a 24% growth rate from 2010 to 2014, Gilberts is attracting new residents with its parks and quiet streets.
- Mahomet: This town near Champaign grew by 22% in a few years. It boasts an IMAX theater and beautiful parks.
- Savoy: Also near Champaign, Savoy’s population is climbing. Its small-town charm and new businesses are key.
- Minooka: Minooka grew by 18% from 2010 to 2014. Locals love its restaurants and outdoor spaces like Lions Park.
- Huntley: Huntley’s population soared 354.6% since 2000, making it a top grower. Golf courses and new homes keep it buzzing.
These cities are proof that small towns can shine. But while these places grow, many big US cities are shrinking. Let’s explore why.
Why Are Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980?
Since 1980, many large US cities have lost residents. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh have seen their populations drop significantly. For example, Chicago’s population was 3 million in 1980 but fell to 2.7 million by 2019. Here’s why this is happening:
- Job Losses: Many big cities relied on factories for jobs. When factories closed, people moved away. Decatur, Illinois, lost 7.1% of its population since 2010 due to fewer manufacturing jobs.
- High Costs: Living in big cities is expensive. In Chicago, high taxes and costly homes push people to suburbs or smaller towns.
- Crime and Safety: Some residents leave because of crime. For instance, Baltimore’s population dropped due to rising crime rates.
- Suburban Appeal: Suburbs offer bigger homes, better schools, and safer streets. This pulls families away from cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh.
- Weather and Lifestyle: Harsh winters in cities like Chicago drive some people to warmer places like Phoenix or Houston.
These trends have reshaped America’s cities. Now, let’s look at specific large US cities that have been shrinking since 1980.
Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980
Many big cities have lost people over the past few decades. Here’s a closer look at some of the hardest-hit cities:
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is Illinois’ biggest city, but it’s shrinking. In 1980, it had 3 million people. By 2019, that number dropped to 2.7 million. In 2021, Chicago lost 45,175 residents, the most in the state. High taxes, crime, and cold winters are pushing people out. However, Chicago’s growth rate is still better than some Rust Belt cities like Cleveland or Pittsburgh.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the poster child for shrinking cities. Its population fell from 1.2 million in 1980 to 639,000 in 2019. That’s a 7.4% drop since 2019 alone. Factory closures and economic struggles have driven people away. Despite some revival efforts, Detroit continues to shrink.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s metropolitan area had 2.65 million people in 1980 but dropped to 2.34 million by 2016. High taxes and a shift away from manufacturing have hurt the city. However, universities like Carnegie Mellon are attracting some new residents.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s population fell to a 100-year low in 2016, with its metropolitan area shrinking by 1.1%. Rising crime and budget issues have pushed many families out. Unlike “white flight” in the past, recent losses include Black families moving away.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis also saw a 1.1% drop in its metropolitan population by 2016. Like other Rust Belt cities, it struggles with job losses and economic challenges. The city’s population has been declining for decades.
These cities show how economic and social changes can shrink populations. But what about Illinois’ shrinking cities? Let’s take a closer look.
Fastest Growing Cities in Illinois Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980
While some Illinois cities are growing, others are losing people. Here are the Fastest Growing Cities in Illinois Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980, based on recent data:
- Chicago Heights: This city lost 20% of its population since 2000. Its peak was 33,070 in 1990, but it’s now at 26,184.
- Decatur: Decatur’s population dropped 7.1% since 2010, one of the fastest declines in the US. It went from 94,000 in 1980 to 71,000 in 2019.
- Rockford: Rockford lost 5% of its population since 2010, with 7,676 fewer people. It’s now Illinois’ fifth-largest city at 145,609.
- Cicero: Cicero lost 1,703 residents in 2021, making it one of the top shrinking cities that year.
- Aurora: Aurora saw a 13.1% decline over five years, one of the largest in Illinois. It lost 1.63% of its population in 2023 alone.
These cities face challenges like job losses and high costs. Meanwhile, smaller towns are thriving. Why is this happening?
Comparing Growth and Shrinkage Trends
The contrast between Illinois’ growing and shrinking cities is stark. Small towns like Volo and Pingree Grove are booming because they offer affordable homes, good schools, and a quiet life. On the other hand, cities like Chicago and Decatur are losing people due to high taxes, crime, and fewer jobs.
Nationally, the trend is similar. Large cities in the Midwest and Northeast, like Detroit and Baltimore, are shrinking. At the same time, cities in the South and West, like Phoenix and Houston, are growing. Phoenix added 231,954 people from 2010 to 2019, making it the fastest-growing big city in the US.
So, what’s the big picture? People are moving to places with better opportunities and lower costs. In Illinois, this means small towns are winning, while big cities struggle.
What Does This Mean for Illinois’ Future?
The growth of the fastest growing cities in Illinois and the shrinkage of large US cities have big implications. Here’s what we might see in the future:
- Economic Shifts: Growing cities like Elgin and Yorkville could become economic hubs, attracting more businesses and jobs.
- Population Changes: Illinois might lose another congressional seat if its population keeps declining. The state already dropped from 18 to 17 seats after the 2020 census.
- Urban vs. Rural Divide: The gap between thriving small towns and struggling big cities could widen. Rural areas might see more investment in schools and roads.
- Policy Needs: Illinois needs policies to help shrinking cities like Decatur and Rockford. For example, reducing taxes or investing in jobs could slow population loss.
These trends will shape Illinois for years to come. But let’s answer some common questions before we wrap up.
FAQs About Fastest Growing Cities in Illinois Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980
What is the fastest growing city in Illinois?
Volo is the fastest growing city in Illinois for 2024, with a huge population increase since 2010.
Why are large US cities shrinking since 1980?
Big cities like Chicago and Detroit are losing people due to job losses, high costs, crime, and the appeal of suburbs or warmer cities.
Which Illinois cities are shrinking the fastest?
Chicago Heights, Decatur, Rockford, Cicero, and Aurora are among the fastest shrinking cities in Illinois.
Are all Illinois cities shrinking?
No, many small towns like Elgin, Yorkville, and Huntley are growing fast, while larger cities like Chicago are losing people.
What can Illinois do to help shrinking cities?
Illinois could lower taxes, create jobs, and invest in schools and infrastructure to slow population loss in cities like Decatur.
Conclusion
Fastest Growing Cities in Illinois Large US Cities Shrinking Since 1980, like Volo, Pingree Grove, and Huntley, are booming with new residents and opportunities. Meanwhile, large US cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Baltimore have been shrinking since 1980 due to job losses, high costs, and other challenges. This contrast shows how people are choosing affordable, safe, and friendly places to live. Illinois’ future depends on supporting both growing and shrinking cities to create a balanced state. What do you think about these trends? Share your thoughts in the comments!