More than 2.7 million people called Chicago home in 2024, according to the latest census numbers. That’s a decrease of 27,023 residents since April 1, 2020, but an increase of 22,164 people since 2023.
Chicago retained its position as the nation’s third most populous city, after New York and Los Angeles, in 2024. Houston was ranked fourth.
And with more than 22,000 people moving into the city since the previous year, Chicago was in the Top 10 places in the U.S. for numeric growth.
Since 2020, Cook County as a whole has lost 96,000 people, or 1.8% of its population, which was almost 5.2 million in 2024. Meanwhile its collar counties gained residents. Kendall County saw the largest increase in the state — more than 11,300 people have moved there since 2020, which is an 8.6% increase in population.
Far southwest suburbs continue to grow, as was the case in 2023.
Some suburbs in Cook County continue to lose residents, as was the case last year.
How did things change in your area? Here’s a look at 2024 population estimates for cities, towns and villages in Cook County and other Chicago-area counties.
Sources: U.S. Census; Tribune reporting
