Chicago Region Population Grows for Third Straight Year

Chicagoland sees population increase even as national growth slows

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:19am

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According to new Census Bureau estimates, the Chicago metropolitan area grew by 0.2% in 2025, reaching approximately 9.4 million residents. This marks the third consecutive year of population growth for the region, even as population growth slowed across most of the country due to declining international immigration.

Why it matters

The long-standing narrative of people leaving Chicago has shifted, as the region is now stabilizing and even growing in some areas. Understanding these changing population trends can help both buyers and sellers make more informed decisions about timing and strategy when it comes to housing and relocations within Chicagoland.

The details

While the Chicago region still saw more people move out than move in domestically, the outflow has been shrinking each year, from 122,143 net domestic outflow in 2022 to 33,708 in 2025. Among the 10 largest metro areas in the country, Chicago was one of only four that saw improvements in domestic migration last year. This aligns with what many in the housing market are seeing, as people are not necessarily leaving Chicagoland altogether, but rather making moves within the region, relocating from the city to nearby suburbs or downsizing but staying close to family and community.

  • The Chicago metropolitan area grew by 0.2% in 2025.
  • The region has seen population growth for the third consecutive year.
  • Domestic outflow has been shrinking each year, from 122,143 net domestic outflow in 2022 to 33,708 in 2025.

The players

Laurie Christofano

A Chicagoland real estate broker with RE/MAX In The Village, helping buyers and sellers navigate moves across Chicago and the near-west suburbs including Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, and Berwyn. With nearly two decades of experience, she focuses on helping clients understand local market trends so they can make informed decisions about when and how to move.

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The takeaway

The long-standing narrative of mass departure from the Chicago region does not fully reflect what's happening today. The Chicago metropolitan area is stabilizing and even growing in some areas, as people are making moves within the region rather than leaving Chicagoland altogether. Understanding these changing population trends can help both buyers and sellers make more informed decisions about housing and relocations.