Illinois may not be losing population after all. An undercount in the 2020 census missed 46,400 Illinois residents living in group homes, an adjustment to the population base that will be incorporated in future surveys, the state announced Wednesday. While the total won’t be added retroactively to previously reported census data, the bolstered base may more than offset the nearly 33,000 people .
“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,” Pritzker said in a release.