How many immigrants are in Illinois?
About 1.8M in 2021. This represents approximately 14.1% of the population, or about 1 in 7 residents. Immigrants include foreign-born residents, such as naturalized US citizens, authorized workers, and undocumented residents.
Showing data for
In 2021
1.8M
Illinois residents were foreign-born
In 2021
1 in 7
Illinois residents were foreign-born
The number of foreign-born residents in Illinois increased from 1.75M in 2011 to 1.8M in 2021. This growth occurred alongside changes in the native-born population due to births, deaths, and migration. The foreign-born share of the total population in Illinois was 14.1% in 2021, higher than the overall US rate of 13.6%, and up from 13.7% in 2011.
Foreign-born share of the population in Illinois
Changes in immigrant populations reflect shifts in both local and national demographics. The largest immigrant populations are found in major metro areas. Metro areas in California, Texas, Florida, and parts of the Northeast generally have a higher share of foreign-born residents.
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In 2021, the metro areas in the US with the highest and lowest foreign-born population shares were Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL at 41.2% (highest) and Beckley, WV at 0.8% (lowest). In Illinois, the highest and lowest were Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI at 17.7% and Danville, IL at 2.1%, respectively.
On average, 8.2% of the population in metro areas was foreign-born in 2021
Foreign-born share of the population (2021)
| 1. | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area | 17.7% |
| 2. | Champaign-Urbana, IL Metro Area | 11.5% |
| 3. | Rockford, IL Metro Area | 9.1% |
| 4. | Bloomington, IL Metro Area | 6.9% |
| 5. | Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metro Area | 5.3% |
| 6. | Kankakee, IL Metro Area | 4.9% |
| 7. | St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area | 4.8% |
| 8. | Peoria, IL Metro Area | 3.7% |
| 9. | Carbondale-Marion, IL Metro Area | 3.3% |
| 10. | Springfield, IL Metro Area | 2.9% |
