Almost 2.75 million people called Chicago home in 2025, according to the latest census numbers. That’s a decrease of 16,748 residents since April 1, 2020, but an increase of 5,253 people since 2024.
Chicago, North Chicago among cities adding residents as municipalities try to regain lost population
Chicago retained its position as the nation’s third most populous city, after New York and Los Angeles, in 2025. Houston, which gained more than 97,000 residents, was ranked fourth.
Since 2020, Cook County as a whole has lost 84,385 people, or 1.6% of its population, which was almost 5.2 million in 2025. Meanwhile its collar counties gained residents. Kendall County saw the largest increase in the state — more than 13,500 people have moved there since 2020, which is an 10.3% increase in population.
Far southwest suburbs continue to grow, as was the case in 2023 and in 2024.
Some suburbs in Cook County continue to lose residents, as was the case in 2023 and in 2024.
How did things change in your area?
Here’s a look at 2025 population estimates for cities, towns and villages in Cook County and other Chicago-area counties.
