The Great Illinois Exodus of 2023: Did Everyone Pack Their Deep Dish and Flee?
Let's face it, Illinois has been shedding residents faster than a husky in July. But in 2023, things went into overdrive. We're talking a population dip so big, you could fit a whole extra Springfield in the space left behind. So, how many folks exactly decided to chase greener pastures (or perhaps cheaper taxes)?
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| How Many People Moved Out Of Illinois In 2023 |
The Big Numbers: Buckle Up, Buttercup
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
The official tally? A whopping 33,000 people peaced out in 2023. That's like losing an entire mid-sized town, folks! Imagine all the empty houses – perfect for zombie apocalypse role-playing, right? Just sayin'.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Who Moved Out? The Plot Thickens
Now, you might be wondering, who exactly were these escapees? Were they all die-hard Bears fans who finally threw in the towel? Not quite. The data suggests a more nuanced story:
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
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- Job Seekers on the Hunt: Turns out, opportunity knocks louder in other states for some Illinois residents. Around 26% of leavers cited work as their main reason to hit the road.
- Sunsets and Silver Linings: Another big chunk (21%) were retirees, presumably lured by warmer climes and the promise of endless shuffleboard tournaments.
- The Mystery of the Missing: Interestingly, the "high cost of living" wasn't a top reason for people leaving. Maybe they just woke up one day and decided a change of scenery was needed?
So, is Illinois Doomed? Don't Panic (Yet)
While the exodus is real, there's still plenty to love about the Land of Lincoln. Deep dish pizza, anyone? Plus, there's always the influx of international movers to keep things interesting.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
But hey, if you're thinking about joining the migration, here are a few things to consider:
- Pack your winter coat: Illinois winters aren't for the faint of heart. No matter where you go, chances are you'll miss the "unique" winter wonderland Illinois offers (heavy sarcasm intended).
- Practice your goodbye to deep dish: You might find decent pizza elsewhere, but it probably won't involve a mountain of cheese and a flaky crust.
- Learn a new accent (optional): Depending on where you go, you might need to brush up on your Southern drawl or perfect your "chowder" pronunciation.
How-To FAQs for the Illinois Escape Artist
- How to pack for a move out of Illinois: Focus on warm clothes and enough snacks to get you through the inevitable Chicago traffic.
- How to say goodbye to friends and family: Make it a deep dish pizza party! It's a delicious and tear-jerking way to send yourself off.
- How to explain your decision to leave Illinois: Just say you're on a quest for a state with a more predictable climate (no one will guess you're really fleeing the brutal winters).
- How to find good deep dish pizza outside of Illinois: This one might be a stretch, but good luck!
- How to know if Illinois misses you: If you get a deep craving for Italian beef, that's probably a sign.
So there you have it, folks. The story of the Illinois exodus. Will it continue? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure, Illinois will always hold a special place in our hearts (or at least our stomachs).
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