Staff Reports
In the latest U-Haul Growth Index, the Land of Lincoln continues to lose its luster as Illinois ranks near the top for outbound moves, with only California and Massachusetts trailing behind. Illinois is practically hemorrhaging residents, with a net loss of U-Haul trucks departing the state compared to arrivals.
Report: Illinois among top states for outbound moves in 2023https://t.co/CkCh6NekNf
— The Center Square (@thecentersquare) January 2, 2024
The U-Haul International President, John Taylor, pointed out that while the one-way transactions in 2023 didn’t reach the staggering levels seen during the pandemic, the exodus from Illinois remains consistent. It’s like a long, slow leak draining the state of its population.
Unsurprisingly, the report shows that movers are flocking to the southeast and southwest regions of the United States, with the Lone Star State, Texas, being the top choice for the second year in a row. According to Cory Hall, the U-Haul district vice president, people and businesses are hightailing it to Texas for its business-friendly environment.
With a lower cost of living, friendlier taxes, and more green in their pockets due to the absence of burdensome state income taxes, it’s no wonder folks are bidding adieu to Illinois and setting their sights on the greener pastures of Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The report serves as yet another grim reminder of Illinois’ dwindling appeal, as the state has shed a whopping 549,000 residents over the past decade. This mass evacuating of Illinoisans further cements the state’s reputation as the land of high taxes and corrupt politics, driving residents to seek refuge elsewhere.
While the U-Haul Growth Index doesn’t directly mirror population or economic growth, it serves as a glaring indicator that Illinois is failing to attract and retain residents. The writing’s on the wall, and it’s time for the Illinois government to shape up before it’s left with tumbleweeds blowing through its once vibrant neighborhoods.
