2020 Census: Kane County had slight bump in population

Kane had the smallest population increase among all Chicago suburban counties

The 2020 census results are out, and while Kane County had a small increase in population, it had the least amount of growth among the suburban Chicago counties.

While Kane County had relied on estimates that its population was 531,769, the actual growth recorded in the 2020 census was 0.2% – to 516,522 from 515,269 or 1,253 people.

Across northern Illinois, the counties making up Chicago’s suburbs saw the most growth. Lake, Cook and DuPage counties grew by 1.5% to 2%, while Will and Grundy counties grew by 2% to 5%. McHenry County’s population grew by 0.5%.

Kendall County grew the most by 14%.

Kane County saw the least amount of growth at 0.2%.

In Kane County, South Elgin jumped from 21,985 people in 2010 to 23,865 people in 2020, one of the largest increases in the county at 1,880 people.

Elburn grew from 5,602 in 2010 to 6,175 in 2020, an increase of 573 people.

Sugar Grove grew from 8,997 in 2010 to 9,278 in 2020, an increase of 281 people.

St. Charles and Batavia grew modestly. St. Charles’ population increased from 32,974 people in 2010 to 33,081 in 2020, an increase of 107 people. Batavia went from 26,045 in 2010 to 26,098 in 2020, an increase of 53 people.

Geneva lost 102 people over the past decade, its population falling to 21,393 in 2020 from 21,495 in 2010.

Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog said the census information had just been downloaded and she was putting a team together to analyze the data.

“We had population gain in certain areas of the county and population loss in other areas,” Pierog said. “But whether that was an undercount or people moving out, we have details but they have not been analyzed yet. … We have had some small growth and it’s stable. Stable is fine.”

As to what it might mean for the county districts in the process of being redrawn, Pierog said they would have to study that as well.

“The big thing we know is that the American Community Survey forecasted one number and CMAP [Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning] forecasted one number and this is not the number. They’re not even close,” Pierog said. “This came as a complete surprise. That’s nonsense. A mistake. A typo.”

County board member Drew Frasz, R-Elburn predicted the county likely would lose one congressional seat.

“I guess we are proud to be one of the few growing counties in Illinois,” Frasz said. “Tax revenue should stay about the same.”

County board member Jarett Sanchez, D-Carpentersville, said he was not surprised.

“Just the nature of the census in 2020. I don’t think everybody got counted,” Sanchez said. “But that is surprising that it’s so low.”