The Center for Illinois Politics indicates a 1.8% decline in state population from a peak in 2013 to 2020, or an average of .25714% per year. Clay County IL has a recorded 46 COVID-19 related deaths out of a total population of 13,287, or about .34620% of the county population. COVID-19 deaths have caused approximately 134% more population loss in Clay County than out-migration. Clarify: on an annualized basis. Of all the population loss conversations, the fact we’re losing our best and brightest to outside schools is of major concern. It used to be that U of I was the golden ticket, but that’s changed. It’s an issue that’s been way too ignored.