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Illinois, a state known for its vibrant cities, rich history, and diverse culture, has been experiencing a significant population decline in recent years. This trend is particularly noticeable in certain cities, towns, and counties, which have been labeled “dying” due to their rapidly shrinking populations and struggling economies. The term “dying” is used to describe places that are experiencing a severe decline in population, economic activity, and social infrastructure. These places are often characterized by vacant homes, closed businesses, and a lack of essential services such as healthcare and education. The reasons for this decline are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of economic, social, and demographic factors.
Alexander County: A Dying Community
Located at the southern tip of Illinois, Alexander County is the fastest shrinking county in the United States. The county lost 20 percent of its population between 2010 and 2020, falling from 7,821 people to 6,260. This drastic decline in population has had profound effects on the county’s economy and social fabric.
The county seat, Cairo, once a bustling river port and a strategic outpost during the Civil War, has seen its population decline from 15,000 in the mid-20th century to around 2,000 today. The decline in Cairo’s population can be attributed to the cessation of barge traffic and the bypassing of the town by railroads and I-57. These changes in transportation patterns have led to a decrease in economic activity and job opportunities, causing many residents to leave in search of better prospects elsewhere.
The Decline of Cairo
Cairo’s decline is evident in its lack of essential services and amenities. The town’s only chain restaurant, a Subway, closed several years ago. In 2017, the Department of Housing and Urban Development shut down two apartment houses there, dispersing their residents throughout Little Egypt. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted the absence of a grocery store, hospital, and community center in the town, painting a bleak picture of a community in decline.
The decline of Cairo is not just a story of economic hardship, but also one of social dislocation and community fragmentation. The closure of the apartment houses and the dispersal of their residents have disrupted social networks and community ties, further exacerbating the town’s decline.
Illinois’ Population Loss
Illinois lost more people than any other state in the 2010s: 243,102, according to a report by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. By percentage, Illinois was second only to West Virginia in population loss. The majority of this population loss occurred in downstate Illinois, outside of the Chicago area.
This population loss has had significant implications for the state’s economy, social fabric, and political representation. The loss of residents has led to a decrease in economic activity, a reduction in tax revenue, and a decline in political representation at the national level. Furthermore, the loss of young, educated residents has led to a “brain drain,” depriving the state of valuable human capital and potential future leaders.
The Impact of Economic Shifts
The decline of certain industries, particularly coal and manufacturing, has had a significant impact on the region’s economy and population. There are fewer than 3,000 miners left in Illinois, down from an all-time high of 50,000. The decline of these industries has led to the drying up of many towns that used to be market towns.
The loss of these industries has not only led to job losses but also a decline in the economic vitality of these towns. Many of these towns were built around these industries, and their decline has left a void that has been difficult to fill.
The Migration of Jobs and Talent
Chicago’s economic dominance in Illinois is one of the factors holding the Downstate back. Jobs and talent are migrating from the small towns to the big cities, preventing Downstate from developing a 21st-century economy. This trend has led to a lack of diversification in Downstate’s economy, with much of the investment in green energy and IT being sucked up into Chicagoland.
This migration of jobs and talent to Chicago has exacerbated the economic disparities between the city and the rest of the state. While Chicago has been able to attract investment and talent, many smaller towns and rural areas have been left behind, struggling to attract new businesses and retain their existing residents.
Ghost Towns in Illinois
The population decline in Illinois has led to the emergence of numerous ghost towns. These include Anderson, Appleton, Barr, Benjaminville, Bethel, Bourbonais, Brownsville, Brush Point, Bybee, Caledonia, Cardiff, Cayuga, Challacombe, Chamness, Civer, Clayville, Clifford Eight, Coltonville, Comer, Crawfordsville, Daggett, Dutton, Elm Point, Elton, Enos, Evans, and many others.
These ghost towns are a stark reminder of the state’s population decline and the challenges facing many of its smaller towns and rural areas. They are also a testament to the resilience of these communities, many of which continue to exist despite the odds.
The Impact of Population Loss
The loss of population has significant implications for the state’s power and representation. Illinois is guaranteed to lose a congressional seat, dropping the size of its delegation from 18 to 17, the lowest number since the Civil War era. This loss of political representation could further exacerbate the state’s challenges, as it will have less influence in Washington and may receive less federal funding.
The loss of a congressional seat is not just a symbolic blow but also a practical one. It means one less voice advocating for the state’s interests at the national level, one less person to fight for federal funding and policies that benefit the state.
The Potential for Revival
Despite the current trend of population decline, there is potential for revival. If the state invests in high-speed Internet, roads, and colleges, the 2030 Census could look a lot different. The shifts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic could benefit Downstate, if remote workers migrate from cities to less expensive rural areas.
Investments in infrastructure and education could help attract new businesses and residents to these areas, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The rise of remote work could also provide an opportunity for these areas, as it allows people to work from anywhere, potentially making rural areas more attractive to those seeking a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life.
Rockford and Decatur: Fastest Shrinking Cities
Two Illinois cities, Rockford and Decatur, are among the fastest-shrinking cities in the country. Decatur, in central Illinois, about 40 miles east of Springfield, has lost 7.1% of its population since the 2010 census. This drop is the third-largest percentage loss in the U.S. among cities with a population of 50,000 or more. Rockford, the fifth-largest city in the state with an estimated 145,609 residents, has lost 5% of its population during that nine-year period. Rockford’s total population loss of 7,676 people over the last decade places it ninth nationwide among large cities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with Decatur (-5,385) at No. 15.
The decline of these cities is part of an ongoing trend of Midwestern cities losing residents while cities across the Southwest and West continue to grow. However, with the right investments and strategic planning, these cities could potentially see a revival in the coming years.
Rockford, once known as the “Screw Capital of the World” due to its large number of screw factories, has been hit hard by the decline of the manufacturing industry. The city has been trying to reinvent itself through investments in education, healthcare, and aerospace, but progress has been slow and the population continues to decline.
Decatur, known as the “Soybean Capital of the World,” has also been affected by the decline of the manufacturing industry. The city has been trying to diversify its economy through investments in education and healthcare, but it has struggled to attract new businesses and residents.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of a potential revival in both cities. In Rockford, the aerospace industry has been growing, with several aerospace companies setting up operations in the city. In Decatur, the healthcare and education sectors have been expanding, creating new jobs, and attracting new residents.
However, for these cities to truly revive, they will need to address the underlying issues that are driving their population decline. This includes improving their education systems, investing in infrastructure, and creating a business-friendly environment that can attract new businesses and industries.
In conclusion, the decline of cities, towns, and counties in Illinois is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. While the challenges are significant, there is potential for revival if the right strategies are implemented. By investing in infrastructure, education, and economic diversification, these places can attract new residents, stimulate economic growth, and reverse their population decline.
References
- “Where Illinois is Losing Population” – Chicago Magazine. Link
- “List of Ghost Towns in Illinois” – Wikipedia. Link
- “Midwestern Cities Continue to Lose Population. Two of the Fastest-Shrinking are in Illinois.” – Chicago Tribune. Link
- “Illinois’ Population Loss and the Impact on the State” – Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Link
- “The Decline of Manufacturing in Illinois and its Impact on Local Communities” – Illinois Policy. Link