Lately, more and more people from Illinois have been packing up and moving away, looking for new places to live. They’re leaving because of changes at work after 2020 and the chance to save on living expenses. We’ve taken a close look at this trend and found out which top three states are attracting folks from Illinois, and why they’re deciding to move.
The Remote Work Revolution and Its Impact
Remote work has really changed how people decide where to live and work in the US. Even though not as many people are working from home as during the pandemic’s high point, about one in four American workers were still logging in remotely at least some of the time in February 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because people can choose where they work from now, they’re looking beyond their own backyards to places that have both good jobs and aren’t too expensive.
Migration Trends, Seeking Sunnier Skies
Stacker’s review of 2022 data from the American Community Survey by the Census Bureau shows that people are consistently moving to the South. This trend started before COVID19. Between 2022 and 2023, over 1.4 million newcomers chose to live in the Sun Belt region because of its warm weather, budget friendly lifestyle, and lower taxes. On another note, more people settled in the Midwest after a period of decreasing numbers. At the same time, states like New York and Pennsylvania in the Northeast lost a considerable number of residents.
Where Are Illinoisans Heading?
3. Wisconsin
27,369 folks left Illinois for Wisconsin in 2022. this was 7.96% of all moves between states.
Wisconsin welcomed more new arrivals from Illinois than from any other state.
2. Indiana
31,015 People moved from Illinois to Indiana, making up 9.02% of Indiana’s new arrivals from other states.
Once more, most people coming into Indiana were from Illinois.
1. Florida
35,262 Illinois residents went to Florida for their new residence, which represented 10.25% of the migration there.
Illinois came in seventh as a contributor to Florida’s increase in population.
The Outbound State, The Issue with Illinois’s People Leaving
The United Van Lines’ yearly study reported that Illinois had the second highest number of people leaving in 2023. About 61% left the state whereas just 39% chose to move in. Job hunting (26.10%) and retirement (21.40%) were main reasons folks left, but against what some might think, living costs did not play a big part in this decision-making process. The situation highlights a larger move across the country towards places that are more affordable and not so crowded with Southern states getting most of these relocators.
Why People Are Moving
- Retirement 21.40%
- Health issues, 4.30%
- To be near family, 19.70%
- A change in lifestyle, 11.40%
- Employment opportunities, 26.10%
- Lower cost of living, 3.60%
Eily Cummings from United Van Lines mentioned that the cost of houses, the weather, city designs and jobs growth seriously influence where people choose to move, On the other hand, Michael A Stoll who’s an economy expert and also teaches, pointed out how COVID19 changed people’s preferences they now prefer to work from home stick closer to family and live somewhere they can afford.
U-Haul’s 2023 Growth Index, Illinois under the Microscope
U-Haul’s annual Growth Index tracks where people are heading by looking at one-way truck rentals. This year Illinois is high on the list for places people are leaving Only California and Massachusetts saw more people go. The index shows folks are still choosing to move to the southeast and southwest with a lot going to Texas for yet another year.
Population Drop
Census data show Illinois lost about 33,000 people since July 2022. It’s clear Illinois needs to tackle why folks are leaving. Missouri was once a hot spot for those moving in 2022, but it lost its charm in 2023times are changing.
Conclusion, The Search for a Better Life
Illinoisans are on the move to find better jobs, places to retire, or cheap living costs. They’re heading to warmer Sun Belt states, and that’s a big deal for Illinois. It has to get down to brass tacks and fix these issues if it wants a bright future. With more folks working from home and wanting more out of where they live, Illinois must step up its game.
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