Why People Are Choosing Idaho Over Wyoming
Next-door neighbor Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the union, while Wyoming went from 4th fastest growing in 2012 to dead last, rock bottom in 2017.
Idaho is not affected by the boom/bust cycle of energy production. Wyoming’s coal production is not only down but it’s selling for less these days, so fewer jobs.
Also, Idaho has the fourth-cheapest cost of living in the country, while Wyoming is 29th. Wyoming’s small population does not make it very attractive to business either.
United Van Lines says the most people are leaving Illinois, New Jersey, and New York.
Vermont, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, South Dakota are drawing the most people. Colorado also made Top-10.
Idaho grew by 2.2 percent in 2017 while Wyoming, the least populous state already, lost 1.0 percent. That’s the fifth year-in-a-row for losing more people than gaining.
Some Wyoming residents are okay with that. How about you?