Where America is Moving

The AP reports:

Michigan saw the nation's most outbound migration in 2008, with 67.1 percent of interstate moves heading out, according to a migration study released Wednesday.

It marked the third straight year that Michigan, hard hit by the economy and layoffs in the auto industry, has seen the highest percentage of outbound migration.

Americans continue to head west - and to the Mid-Atlantic states - while many are leaving the Great Lakes region behind.

St. Louis-based United Van Lines, the nation's largest mover of household goods, has been tracking moves since 1977. Company vice president Carl Walter said the study in the past has accurately reflected trends in migration. He said real estate firms, financial institutions and others use United's data for planning and analysis.

The 2008 study looked at 198,962 interstate household moves in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.

In fact, the District of Columbia tops the list for inbound migration, with 62.1 percent of interstate moves going in. Nevada was second (59.2 percent), followed by North Carolina (58.2 percent), Alabama (58.1 percent) and Wyoming (57.8 percent).

No word yet from Barack Obama on Illinois' situation.