Exodus: More Illinoisans abandoning state for Indiana

Corruption, oppressive taxes, runaway public pension costs, and high crime are driving Illinoisans out of their state and into Indiana.

From the South Bend Tribune:

More than 34,220 Illinois resident decamped across the state line to Indiana in 2015, the most recent year for which data was available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.

"Out of the gate, Indiana is going to start with the lead when it comes to financially attracting new residents and businesses," Northwest Indiana Forum Economic Development Director Joe Rurode said. "A lower cost of living, a pro-growth business climate and lower taxes have all played the traditional part, but in combination on the backend, we’re really starting to see people recognize and flock to Northwest Indiana because of the significant quality of life improvements that are taking place."

The Chicago-based Illinois Policy Institute think tank estimates Indiana gained an average net of 54 Illinois residents every day in 2015 and said it looks like the trend may accelerate. In a recent article on the think tank's web site, Madelyn Harwood wrote the South Shore Line West Lake expansion and double-tracking projects are poised to draw even more Illinois residents across the state line.

"The Hoosier State is planning improvements to commuter train lines to Chicago, which will shorten commute times between Indiana and Chicago and make it more appealing for service-sector workers from the Chicago area to call Indiana home," the article stated. "An increased outflow of Chicago workers to Indiana would weaken Illinois' suburban tax base."