Vermilion Co. officials speak on 'alarming' population drop, how they plan to reverse it
Share this @internewscast.com

VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Population is dropping for most of Central Illinois, and one county hit the hardest is giving insights into why.

Between 2020 and 2024 — Shelby, Christian, Macon, and Sangamon counties saw losses ranging from 1% to upwards of 3%.

Vermilion County has lost about 4.2% of their population over that time frame. It’s the biggest drop among county’s in Central Illinois.

“Of course it’s not a good trend and it is alarming.” said Mike Marron, CEO of Vermilion Advantage.

“These are patterns often observed throughout rural America, especially in rural parts of Illinois, and it’s an issue we need to address,” Marron stated.

Census figures indicated a decline over the four years from 2020 to 2024. Among the areas experiencing a downturn: Sangamon County saw a decrease of about 1%, Shelby and Christian Counties each fell by approximately 2%, and Macon County experienced a 3% reduction. However, the steepest decline was in Vermilion County, which saw a population reduction of 4.2% over the period.

“When people leave, we see a reduction in taxpayers, which presents the initial challenge,” Marron explained. “Moreover, the availability of a skilled workforce is a hurdle. We have several reputable employers who find it difficult to hire qualified individuals.”

Ed Butler is a Danville alderman.

“We have so many people –they came in here from other cities and they come and go,” Butler said.

He said that’s because of a lack of things keeping people in areas like Danville.

“Nothing here in Danville, and so we as a city are trying to get the powers to bring more things here in Danville so that we can get the people back here in Danville,” Butler added,

Marron said planning initiatives currently underway are the key to the future and reversing this trend. This includes blight demolition programs throughout the county and the investments in downtown Danville.

“We really need to create that environment that’s going to attract people to come to our community because it is a wonderful community,” Marron said. “But we do have some work to do to make it more attractive.”

Of the counties listed, one that saw an increase was Champaign. The city saw growth of about 2.9% during the same time frame.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Study Reveals Tennessee’s High Exposure to Tariff Impacts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — According to a recent analysis by the Pew…

Early Voting Commences in Texas, Featuring Brain Health Research Initiative on the Ballot

In an unexpected turn, Texas voting booths could soon become pivotal in…

Texas Tech Implements Ban on Traditional Tortilla Toss at Events

In Lubbock, Texas, Kirby Hocutt, the Director of Athletics at Texas Tech,…

StormTeam 3 Forecast: Sunshine Set to Dominate Weather All Week

SAVANNAH, Ga – Good morning! This is StormTeam 3 Meteorologist Alysa Carsley…

Trump Embarks on Asia Tour: Unpredictable Outcomes Await

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is set to embark on a critical…

Rising Flight Delays and Cancellations Intensify Legislative Pressure Amid Shutdown Concerns

The recent wave of delays at some of the country’s busiest airports…

Slovak Court Hands Down 21-Year Sentence in Prime Minister Assassination Attempt

BRATISLAVA – In a significant ruling on Tuesday, a Slovakian court sentenced…

Osceola County’s Crucial Vote: New Subdivision Proposal on Overcrowded Narcoossee Road Sparks Debate

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Concerns are mounting regarding the escalating traffic congestion…

Breaking News: Suspect Arrested in High-Profile Campustown Shooting Case

URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Police Department has announced a…

Hillsborough County Schools Unveils Opportunities at Annual Magnet School Expo

In Tampa, Jefferson High School became a bustling hub on Monday as…

Job Hunt Anxiety Skyrockets: New Survey Reveals Growing American Concerns

(The Hill) — A growing number of Americans are expressing anxiety about…

Former Oak Ridge National Lab Nuclear Program Director Faces Charges in Child-Related Case

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the former Director of Nuclear Energy Programs at Oak…