New U.S. Census data shows Illinois had nearly 10,000 fewer residents in 2014 than the previous year.
That’s the largest population decline of any state in the country and the first statewide population dip since the mid-1980s.
Officials say six states lost population from 2013-2014: Illinois, West Virginia, Connecticut, New Mexico, Alaska and Vermont. Illinois had the largest numerical population decline of 9,972 people, followed by West Virginia with a loss of 3,269 residents.
DeKalb County saw an increase of 660 residents. However, the bump is so small it puts the county in the “no significant change” category.
Data from 2010 through 2013 showed Indiana, Wisconsin and Missouri picked up the largest numbers of former Illinoisans.
