#46: Illinois

Inbound moves: 38.7%
Outbound moves: 61.3%

Despite its picturesque rolling hills and expansive open plains, Illinois stands in stark contrast to the bustling metropolis of New York as it witnesses a steady exodus of its residents. Astonishingly, nearly 30% of those departing Illinois are driven by the desire to be closer to their families, while another 28% cite retirement or job-related motives.

Illinois grapples with a scarcity of employment opportunities, hitting an unprecedented peak in resignations during the Great Resignation wave in August of the previous year. Adding to its woes, Kiplinger bestowed upon it the dubious honor of being the least tax-friendly state for middle-class families in 2021.