Cook County Leads Nation In Population Loss: U.S. Census
CHICAGO (CBS/AP) -- New U.S. Census data show Illinois' Cook County had the largest population decline among counties and its first dip since 2007.
The nation's second most-populated county lost nearly 10,500 residents between 2014 and 2015, leaving it with 5.2 million residents. The county with the second biggest numeric decline was Michigan's Wayne County, which includes Detroit. It lost more than 6,600 people.
The U.S. Census on Thursday released the information, which also shows the Chicago metropolitan area with a population drop of almost 6,300 residents. The number of births and new residents didn't offset the loss.
Kate Jotzat is among the Chicagoans who are leaving. The businessperson says she is turned off by the violence, rising taxes and governmental problems.
"My house has been shot at twice," she tells CBS 2's Brad Edwards. "I really wanted this to work. I don't want to have to leave, but I feel that I am being forced to."
Bill Stevenson of Stevenson Transfer Inc. says 2016 is on track to be another record year for his moving company. People are relocating – even making lateral moves – because they think just about anywhere is better than Illinois, he says.
Los Angeles County in California remains the country's most populous county with 10.2 million residents.
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