New Polling Says Over 50% Of Illinoisans Want To Move Away Now

If you could make the choice today, what would it be, stay or move?

For years, Illinois has been fighting an image problem. The weather gets blamed. The roads get blamed. The politicians definitely get blamed. But according to new polling highlighted by Illinois Policy, the biggest reason many Illinois residents would like to pack up and leave isn't snow, traffic, or an allergy to corn and deep-dish pizza.

It's taxes.

Illinois Policy reports that its latest polling found 51 percent of Illinoisans say they would leave the state if given the opportunity. According to the organization, that's the highest percentage recorded in the last six quarters of polling and marks a notable increase in the number of residents expressing a desire to relocate.

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Illinoisans Top Concerns Are Not Really Surprising

When respondents were asked about their biggest concerns, taxes and the economy topped the list. Illinois Policy notes that concerns about affordability continue to dominate conversations among voters across the state, with taxes frequently cited as a major source of frustration.

Of course, saying you'd like to move and actually loading up the moving truck are two different things.

Family ties, careers, home ownership, along with community connections keep many people firmly planted in Illinois, even if they're secretly wanting to leave. Still, the polling suggests that a significant number of residents are unhappy enough with the state's economic climate to at least consider making a change.

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Here's Where Most Illinois Resident Go When They Leave The Land Of Lincoln

If you're looking at the most recent US Census migration data (2024), the top three destinations for people leaving Illinois were:

1. Indiana
2. Texas
3. Wisconsin

What's interesting is that the migration flow isn't entirely one-way. According to Census data, the top states sending new residents into Illinois were also Texas, California, and Wisconsin.

The state most likely to gain former Illinoisans is actually neighboring Indiana. Lower housing costs, lower taxes, and the ability to remain close to family, friends, and jobs in the Chicago area make Northwest Indiana a particularly popular landing spot for former Illinois residents (and professional football teams).