Jacksonville, Illinois, desperately tries to reverse its decades-long population decline

 

Jacksonville's population has declined 21.4% since its 1960 peak of 21,690.

Source:  Wikipedia

Headline:  Springfield State Journal-Register, 5/15/2024

The incentive package to move to Jacksonville is roughly $9,300. The requirements for the move is earning at least $50,000 a year or more and living 70 miles currently outside of the Jacksonville Region, before applying. Approved applicants must move to Scott or Morgan County within half a year and spend a year in Jacksonville to receive the benefits.

Jacksonville.  

Within easy driving distance of Springfield.