August 13, 2021

Elgin’s population had a 6.1 percent increase over the past decade, according to 2020 U.S. Census data released Thursday. The growth from 108,188 to 114,797 moves Elgin from the eighth to sixth largest city in Illinois. Of the eight largest cities in Illinois, all with populations over 100,000, Elgin had the largest percent increase in growth from 2010 to 2020.

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“The newly released data brings great news for Elgin,” said Mayor David Kaptain. “Elgin is a city of choice, with the highest quality services and amenities. It’s no wonder so many are choosing to live here and do business. Elgin’s growth will continue to attract new residential and commercial developments.”

Consistent with national and state trends, Elgin’s population is more diverse than 10 years ago. Both Elgin’s Hispanic/Latino and Asian populations grew 43.6 to 45.7 percent and 5.4 to 5.9 percent respectively. 

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“I’m proud that Elgin is home to a growing diverse community,” said Kaptain. “The 2020 Census data indicates our continued need to make sure that those growing populations are represented in government and other areas of decision making.” 

“I want to thank all of our residents who got counted and who helped get their families counted,” said Assistant City Manager Karina Nava, who served as co-chair of the Elgin’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee. “We need to continue evolving how we engage with our diverse population. The growing number of Hispanic/Latino residents reaffirms the City’s commitment to efforts already underway to expand language accessibility within our city services, engagement and communications.” 

Elgin’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee began meeting in 2018 and extensive outreach work took place for two years, both in person and virtually. The Forefront organization and the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office were instrumental in providing grant funds to help in outreach and engagement efforts.

“Our subcommittee chairs and their organizations, our advisory council, our 2020 Census representatives, our outreach team members, community leaders and so many people worked tirelessly to get people counted. When the pandemic hit, people continued to work virtually,” said Denise Raleigh,  Elgin’s 202 Census co-chair. “This was a remarkable group effort.”

Getting an accurate count for Elgin in the 2020 Census was important to secure representation and federal funding for critical programs, services and infrastructure. Experts estimate that each individual counted represents $1,500 in annual federal funding into the community. 

“I’ve always said what makes Elgin so special is its people, and I am thrilled to have over 6,500 more residents with whom I share that belief,” said Kaptain.

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This press release was produced by the City of Elgin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.