CHICAGO — Following a review requested by the State of Illinois, the U.S. Census Bureau has approved adjustments to future population estimates for nearly 47,000 residents.
This adjustment is expected to impact the state's share of the $675 billion in annual federal funds distributed to states.
“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,� said Governor JB Pritzker. “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. I’m grateful to the NORC at the University of Chicago for their work on this appeal and all who helped make this decision possible.�
“The census is about resources and representation. Everyone deserves to be seen and heard and our communities deserve the resources they're due,� said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “From rural to urban communities, this correction will allow us to expand those services. Thank you to everyone who made this appeal possible.�
Following initial 2020 census results showing a population decline in Illinois, a further Census Bureau survey showed potential for undercounting.
This survey suggested Illinois may have actually experienced population growth in the previous decade.
In response, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Congressional Delegation requested that adjustments be made to ensure that the state received accurate federal funding that was reflective of the updated data.
In September 2023, Illinois requested a Post-Census Group Quarters Review (PCGQR) to address potential inaccuracies in the census data.
This review found 733 missed or undercounted Group Quarters locations, representing an estimated 46,400 residents.
The state's PCGQR found 40,512 individuals in group homes and senior living facilities who were initially missed, along with 5,888 individuals undercounted in 123 dormitory settings.
While these findings do not officially change the 2020 census figures for Illinois, they are important to generating annual population estimates over the next six years until the 2030 census.
The updated group quarters population will be incorporated into the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program, serving as baseline data for future funding allocations exceeding $675 billion in state and federal programs.
The state of Illinois remains committed to addressing population undercounts and plans to pursue any further opportunities for appeal and review to ensure a complete and accurate census count.
