Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, is home to nearly 13 million people and has a rich history and culture. However, in recent years, the state has seen a significant increase in the number of people moving out, seeking better opportunities and lifestyles elsewhere. What are the reasons behind this exodus, and where are these Pennsylvanians going?
Economic Challenges and Job Opportunities
One of the main factors driving people out of Pennsylvania is the lack of economic growth and job prospects. The state has not recovered from the massive job losses that occurred during the pandemic, while other states have experienced significant job growth during this period. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 6.4% in September 2023, higher than the national average of 4.8%.
The state’s once-thriving manufacturing sector has also suffered a severe decline, which has directly impacted employment opportunities. The trend toward automation and outsourcing, as well as the rise of international competition, has led to a reduction in the number of jobs available. As a result, many locals have been forced to look for opportunities in other areas.
Additionally, the state’s tech and startup scene is limited compared to other major cities across the country. Many young professionals and entrepreneurs prefer to move to states that have more vibrant technology ecosystems, such as California, New York, or Texas.
High Taxes and Cost of Living
Another reason why people are leaving Pennsylvania is the high taxes and cost of living. The state is known for having high taxes, especially property and income taxes. The average property tax rate in Pennsylvania is 1.5%, the 10th highest in the country. The state also has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%, which applies to all income levels.
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is also relatively high, especially in urban areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The state’s cost of living index is 97.9, slightly below the national average of 100, but higher than neighboring states such as Ohio (88.3), West Virginia (84.1), and Maryland (92.8). The housing, transportation, and health care costs are particularly high in Pennsylvania, making it difficult for many residents to afford a comfortable lifestyle.
Education and Infrastructure Concerns
Some people are also dissatisfied with the quality of education and infrastructure in Pennsylvania, which affects their decision to move out. The state ranks 38th in the nation for public school quality, according to a 2023 report by U.S. News & World Report. The report also found that the state has a high student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1, and a low high school graduation rate of 86.6%.
The state’s infrastructure is also in need of improvement, as many roads, bridges, and public transit systems are aging and deteriorating. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania a C- grade for its infrastructure in 2021, noting that the state has the second-highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the country, and that its roads are among the worst in terms of pavement condition and congestion.
Shifting Demographics and Lifestyle Preferences
Finally, some people are moving out of Pennsylvania because of changing demographics and lifestyle preferences. The state has a large and diverse immigrant population, which accounts for 7.2% of its total population. The top countries of origin for immigrants in Pennsylvania are India, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, and Vietnam. However, some native-born Pennsylvanians may feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in the state’s multicultural environment, and may seek to relocate to more homogeneous or familiar communities.
Additionally, some people may prefer a different climate or scenery than what Pennsylvania offers. The state has four distinct seasons, but also experiences cold winters, humid summers, and frequent precipitation. The state’s landscape is mostly composed of rolling hills, forests, and farmland, with some urban areas and a small coastline. Some people may prefer a warmer, drier, or more varied climate, or a more rural or coastal setting.
Where Are They Going?
So, where are the people who are leaving Pennsylvania heading to? According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the top five states that received the most migrants from Pennsylvania in 2020 were Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Maryland. These states offer some advantages over Pennsylvania, such as lower taxes, lower cost of living, warmer weather, more job opportunities, and better education and infrastructure.
However, not everyone is leaving Pennsylvania for good. Some people may move temporarily for work, education, or family reasons, and may return to the state later. Some people may also move within the state, seeking a different neighborhood, city, or region that suits their needs and preferences better. Pennsylvania still has many attractions and benefits that make it a desirable place to live for many people, such as its historical and cultural heritage, its natural beauty, and its friendly and authentic locals.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is facing a population loss, as more people are moving out than moving in. The reasons for this trend are varied and complex, but they include economic challenges, high taxes and cost of living, education and infrastructure concerns, and shifting demographics and lifestyle preferences. The people who are leaving Pennsylvania are mostly moving to states that offer lower taxes, lower cost of living, warmer weather, more job opportunities, and better education and infrastructure. However, some people may also move back to Pennsylvania or within the state, as the state still has many positive aspects that make it a great place to live.