Publication Date

1973

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Andreasen, Haakon L.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Management

LCSH

Youth--Illinois; Illinois--Population

Abstract

The age, sex, race, and migration trends of youth are essential planning data at national, state, and county levels of government. Proper use of this data will benefit the political, economic, and educational structure of society. The purpose of this study was to determine youth population trends at state and county levels and the presentation of that data in a form applicable to state and county level planning. This study focused primarily on the years 1950-1970 and the population 0-34 years of age, but total state population was included where needed to present a fuller understanding of trends and events. Trends were presented as percentages in tables and other graphic devices. Some of the more significant trends are: 1. Thirty-seven of the 102 counties lost population during the past twenty years. Forty-nine counties lost population during the decade, 1960-1970. These counties were located primarily in the southern and midwestern part of the state. 2. The median age of the population decreased from 32.7 years in 1950 to 28.6 years in 1970. The birthrate has declined since 1960; therefore, the median age may increase again. The smallest youth age groups were 0-4 years and 30-34 years. 3. Based on 1950 ratios, the white population percentage change was a minus 6 percent while the nonwhite change was a plus 6 percent. The white youth age groups, as a percentage of all youth groups, declined from an average of 91.49 percent In 1950 to 84.18 percent In 1970. Conversely, the nonwhite youth population groups increased from an average of 8.51 percent to 15.82 percent during the same period. 4. For the period 1950-1970 in youth population age groups, males outnumbered females by an average of 1.72 percent in ages 5-14 years, while females outnumbered males by 3.16 percent in ages 20-34 years. Ages 15-19 years had the most even sex distribution. 5. Mobility of youth age groups increased after the period 1955-1960 with the exception of the 30-34 year age group. immigrants, over 5 years of age, numbered 658,316 during 1965-1970. Those between ages 5-34 years numbered 600,007 persons. The 5-34 year group exceeded the 1955-1960 rates by 80,212 persons. Outmigrants during 1965-1970 numbered 864,484 persons. Net migration was a plus 1.4 percent in 1955-1960 and a minus .4 percent in 1965-1970, or a loss of about forty three thousand persons through migration. 6. Cook County contained 48.9 percent of the youth. Over 80 percent of the youth were located in sixteen counties. 7. The nonwhite population was concentrated in Lake, Alexander, Madison, Cook, Peoria, Pulaski, Pope, Will, and St. Clair Counties. Other significant trends are cited in Chapter IV. Details of the trends can be readily obtained from the tables and figures in the text of the thesis. Current birthrate and migration trends may require this study be updated and possibly expanded in the future. Current proposed federal-state pilot programs to slow deterioration of small communities may influence trends developed in this study.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

ix, 128 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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