The Chicago Tribune editorial issued a stark warning about Illinois’ rapidly aging population, stressing the importance of addressing this issue to secure the state’s future. According to the editorial, the outmigration of young adults and a drop in birth rates are creating a demographic crisis that threatens both the economy and the state’s social fabric.
The board of the Tribune’s editorial highlighted that the state is aging faster than most other regions in the US, a situation exacerbated by a declining number of young people. They pointed out that the median age in Illinois has increased by five years since 2000, and this trend continues to rise steadily.
The editorial criticized the current state of affairs, noting that fewer women of childbearing age are staying in Illinois due to persistent outmigration. Those who remain are also having fewer children than women in other states. This demographic shift poses serious risks to the workforce, tax base, and overall economic vitality.
Despite these challenges, there is hope that policy changes can help reverse some of these trends. Governor J.B. Pritzker has already taken action to make college more affordable and accessible, a move seen as a direct response to the concerns raised by the Tribune.
As the state grapples with these issues, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to attract and retain young people, ensuring that Illinois remains competitive and economically vibrant.