Ranking America's States: Where People Are Moving—And Why They’re Leaving

15. Illinois

Illinois offers a mix of big-city excitement in Chicago and peaceful rural landscapes throughout the rest of the state. But despite these perks, people are leaving in droves.

A Southern Illinois University poll found that nearly half of residents considered moving away due to high taxes, political concerns, and a lack of middle-class job opportunities. The state’s harsh winters don’t exactly make it more appealing either.