The Badger State is becoming less popular for people looking for a change of scenery. Over the past 15 years Wisconsin transitioned from a state that saw a gain in people moving here, to a state that lost residents. That’s the finding of a study by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Research director Dale Knapp says the report used tax returns to determine how many people were coming to and leaving the state. He says in the mid ’90s, Wisconsin was a popular place to relocate. But trend has been changing in recent years and in 2010, about 10,000 more people left than came to the Badger State.
Many are retirees looking for warmer weather and friendlier tax climates. The report says 45,000 Wisconsinites – which equals the entire population of Fond du Lac – moved to Florida and Arizona from 2006 to 2010.
“As the baby boom continues to head toward retirement we expect that to continue,” says Knapp. He adds improving the state’s economy is the only way to reverse the trend.
Rick Schuh-WHBY contributed to this report