New Illinois population census data questioned

Illinois’ inhabitants shrank by 1.6% from 2020 to 2022, per new U.S. Census Bureau knowledge.

Sure, however: An Illinois congressman is questioning the most recent numbers and the federal company, which he says is fueling “deceptive narratives” with its flawed knowledge.

Why it issues: The information can vastly have an effect on Illinois’ stage of federal illustration and greater than a $1 trillion in federal funding over the subsequent decade.

The massive image: The previous few years have been particularly turbulent for inhabitants traits, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting beginning and loss of life charges, interstate and worldwide migration, and extra, Axios’ Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report.

By the numbers: In line with the brand new estimates, Kendall County grew probably the most, by practically 4% from 2020 to 2022.

• Alexander County in far southern Illinois shrank by 6%.
• Prepare dinner County supposedly noticed a 2.9% decline.

Flashback: Census inhabitants estimates have confirmed unreliable up to now.

• 2020 census figures estimated that Illinois had misplaced about 18,000 residents since 2010.
• Then, final spring, the Census Bureau declared that, oops, the state had really gained 250,000 individuals after conducting a post-enumeration survey to measure the census’ accuracy.
• Illinois was amongst 14 states wherein the 2020 census undercounted or overcounted populations at a statistically vital price. The company blamed “challenges comparable to conducting fieldwork throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” amongst different points.

What they’re saying: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has been urging the Census Bureau to replace its methodology. He despatched a letter to the bureau in December after which one other two weeks in the past, however nothing has modified.

• “I am dissatisfied that the Census Bureau has nonetheless not up to date its methodology for inhabitants projections, even after asserting in Might 2022 that its personal analysis confirmed that Illinois’ inhabitants was undercounted within the 2020 Census and within the years main as much as it,” Krishnamoorthi tells Axios.
• The Census Bureau didn’t reply to Axios’ requests for remark.

What we’re watching: Krishnamoorthi and different lawmakers have prompt, amongst different issues, incorporating knowledge from the PES into their inhabitants projections.

• However in a February letter, the bureau stated December 2023 could be the earliest that changes to the estimates could possibly be made.