Leaving Illinois: An Exodus of People and Money

Migration between the U.S. states is the ultimate expression of “voting with your feet.” People move for many reasons, but, when examined en masse, it’s clear that public policy significantly influences where people choose to live.

Read the full report here.

Executive summary
Migration between the U.S. states is the ultimate expression of ?voting with your feet.? People move for many reasons, but, when examined en masse, it?s clear that public policy significantly influences where people choose to live. This study undertakes a thorough examination of Illinois?s migration patterns to better understand progress on important public policy issues. Key findings include:

• Illinois lost a net of 1,227,347 residents to other states between 1991 and 2009, or slightly more than one resident (1.22) every 10 minutes.
• The top states that people from Illinois move to are Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arizona and Texas.
• Illinois lost 86,021 taxpayers between 1995-2007 to its border states: Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky. This represents $4.1 billion in lost Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and $26.8 billion in cumulative AGI loss.
• Illinois lost people and taxpayers to 40 states and the District of Columbia, and Illinois lost net income to 42 states and the District of Columbia.
• The total net income leaving the state averaged over $1.8 billion between 1995 and 2007 with a total loss of $23.5 billion. Had this income stayed in Illinois, state and local governments would have collected an estimated $2.4 billion in additional tax revenue.
• When a resident moves out of Illinois, the state doesn?t just lose income and taxes for that one year; rather, the state loses any income and taxes that resident would have generated for all future years. Compounding these figures over the 13 years assessed in this study ? without adjusting for inflation ? the state has lost $163.6 billion in net income and $16.9 billion in state and local tax revenue due to out-migration.
• People move from Illinois to states with lower taxes (especially estate taxes), lower union membership, lower population density, lower housing costs and warmer weather.
• The most significant driver of out-migration, on a percentage basis, is the estate tax. This is especially important considering that the number one destination state for former Illinois residents is Florida, a state with no estate tax (or individual income tax).

Conclusion: Without action, out-migration will continue to reduce the ability of both the private and public sectors to ensure Illinois?s economy becomes strong and vibrant.

Read the full report here.

Leaving Illinois: An Exodus of People and Money