An estimated 8.93 million have relocated since the start of the pandemic, according to a new report by the National Association of Realtors, but Illinois’ population took a substantial hit, declining by 400 residents between March and the end of October.

It was the seventh highest outward migration of all 50 states, according to the report.

And where are all the residents moving? NAR reports that 26% left for Iowa, 15% for Indiana, 11% for Florida, 10% for Texas and 8% for New York.

A quarter of the new residents came from Wisconsin, followed by Iowa at 20% and Florida at 15%.

The report noted that the populations of large cities have declined the most during the pandemic.
“Specifically, we see people moving out of some of the country’s most popular areas and relocating to the suburbs,” the report noted. “This means that most people moved close to their home.”

That’s good news for counties near big cities, according to the report.

So what’s in store for 2021 with the promise of a vaccine on the horizon? NAR reports that many companies have chosen to work from home permanently, so migration patterns seen during the pandemic are likely to continue.