Illinois is iconic — deep-dish pizza, the Chicago skyline, Midwest charm, and an accent that could cut through lake-effect wind like a knife. But by 2025, plenty of Illinoisans are seeing their tax bills, heating costs, and commute times and thinking, “Maybe life without frostbite AND financial stress is possible.” So they’re packing their coats, grabbing one last Italian beef, and heading for sunnier, cheaper states.
1. Property Taxes Are Off the Charts
Illinois consistently ranks #1 or #2 for highest property taxes in the entire country. Homeowners are tapping out and looking for states where taxes don’t feel like a second mortgage.
2. People Are Fed Up With the State Income Tax
Illinois has a flat income tax — but between local taxes, fees, and special assessments, many residents feel squeezed from all sides.
3. Chicago Cost of Living Keeps Rising
Rent, groceries, transportation — everything in Chicago has gotten pricier. City life simply isn’t affordable for a lot of people anymore.
4. Crime Concerns in Major Metro Areas
Chicago’s crime issues get a lot of attention, but residents in cities like Rockford, Peoria, and Springfield have concerns too. Families seeking peace and safety often head to the suburbs… or out of state entirely.
5. Harsh, Endless Winters
Snow, slush, ice, wind that feels personal — Illinois winters are not for the weak. Many residents decide they’ve scraped their last windshield.
6. Slow Population & Job Growth
Illinois has been losing population for years, and job growth hasn’t kept pace with other states. Young professionals especially are leaving for better pay and more opportunity.
7. State Budget Issues & Debt
Illinois’ long-standing financial problems — pension debt, budget gridlock, and political drama — make some residents feel uneasy about the future.
8. Housing Isn’t Always Affordable Anymore
Some areas are still budget-friendly, but others have seen rising costs, especially as people flee Chicago’s core neighborhoods for nearby suburbs.
9. Crime + Taxes + Commute = Burnout
A lot of residents aren’t leaving because of just one issue — it’s all of them piled on top of each other. The cumulative stress adds up.
10. The Political Climate Isn’t for Everyone
Illinois has strong political leanings, and whether you align or not, polarization pushes many residents to seek states that feel more like “home.”
11. Traffic, Construction, and Never-Ending Roadwork
I-90, I-290, I-55… at this point, Illinois roads are basically one large construction project. Endless delays wear residents down.
12. High Sales Tax Rates
Illinois has some of the highest combined sales taxes in the country — especially in Chicago, where you can get hit with over 10%.
13. Many Want a Lower Cost of Living
States like Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas are wooing Illinoisans with cheaper housing, lower taxes, and fewer financial headaches.
14. People Want More Predictability — Financially & Weather-Wise
Whether it’s the unpredictable snowstorms, the unpredictable taxes, or the unpredictable budget future, residents want stability… and many believe it exists elsewhere…