Who’s Moving To and From Illinois?
In the latest Census data (2022), Illinois lost about 109,999 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Indiana than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from California.
Top states moving into Illinois
- California 18,725
- Indiana 17,134
- Missouri 14,268
- Wisconsin 13,332
- Florida 13,297
Where Illinois residents move
- Indiana 31,791
- Florida 29,819
- Wisconsin 24,896
- Texas 22,231
- California 21,730
Net interstate migration: -109,999 more people left than arrived (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where Illinois residents go: the biggest destinations are Indiana, Florida and Wisconsin. The single largest stream runs to Indiana — about 31,791 people in a year. In total, roughly 310,209 residents left Illinois for another state, versus about 200,210 who moved in.
Who moves to Illinois: the largest inbound flows come from California, Indiana and Missouri, led by California with about 18,725 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people leave: Illinois's outflow fits the national pattern of residents moving from higher-cost, higher-tax states toward cheaper, lower-tax ones. With a state income tax (4.95% flat), the math of moving can be worth a meaningful raise in purchasing power — which is exactly what many of the top destinations offer.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between Illinois and California can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Illinois with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving Illinois?
- On net, yes — Illinois loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 109,999 in 2022. The most leave for Indiana.
- Which state do most people move to from Illinois?
- Indiana is the top destination for people leaving Illinois, with about 31,791 moves in the latest year, followed by Florida and Wisconsin.
- Which states do people move to Illinois from?
- The largest inbound flows to Illinois come from California, Indiana and Missouri, led by California with about 18,725 arrivals.