Shocking Trend of Illinois People Moving to These Western States

We know that Illinois has seen many migrate out of the state in recent years. Do you ever wonder where everyone is going? I've found not just one year, but a trend of several years that shows many from the Land of Lincoln are seeking out a western life.

I saw this interesting map shared on the Illinois sub-Reddit. It shows where those in Illinois that are choosing to leave are moving to.

Where people move if they leave Illinois 2018-2022
byu/steve42089 inillinois

There are 4 areas in particular that caught my attention and I have them circled on the map.

Why would so many in Illinois choose 1 of 3 areas in Colorado and 1 in northern Montana?

Without speaking to those who have left Illinois for Colorado or Montana, there's no way to know definitively, but I have some theories. While Illinois is very congested in the metro areas, both Colorado and Montana are full of wide open spaces. If you feel like you need more privacy and/or just don't want to be around as many people, Colorado and Montana are for you. Montana in particular has one of the largest areas with the fewest people in America.

The other potential reason is a lifestyle change that can best be described as a modern cowboy attitude about life. I lived in Wyoming for several years (and loved it) and can tell you that the cowboy attitude is still very much alive and well in the American West. Perhaps it's as simple as many in Illinois just wanted to be a cowboy.