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When asked if they have considered moving out or away from Sangamon County the majority
of respondents (63 percent) report they have not. However, it is important to understand why
the 34 percent of respondents who responded “yes” have considered moving away. Interested
in what would make respondents stay in the county, the survey asked those who said they have
thought about moving away what would make them stay in the county. Researchers at SRO
coded these responses into several categories. As may be seen in the figure, respondents most
frequently cited more or better job opportunities as reasons they would stay in Sangamon
County. Other respondents noted that a change in their personal situation would need to occur
in order for them to stay.
A lower cost of living was cited by some respondents as a reason they would consider staying.
This is somewhat of a surprise given Springfield’s relatively low cost of living as compared to the
national average. Still, if respondents are having trouble finding high-paying jobs, expenses,
such as housing and groceries, are going to be an issue for them. For instance according to one
respondent “cheaper taxes and housing [are needed]…cost of living is a big issue.” This
underscores the importance of taxation to many respondents. These individuals cited “lower
property taxes” and an “overall lower state tax” as changes they would make them stay.
Another change that would make some respondents stay in Springfield is a change in
government. These respondents indicated they would like to see “better government” and
“new government.”
Top answers to the question, “what would
Rounding out the list are improvements in
make you stay?”(coded responses)
education in Sangamon County. Having a “better
school” system was cited as a change that would
CATEGORY
FREQUENCY (n)
make one respondent stay while another
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respondent cited having “better nursing programs Finance/job
Personal situation
20
in Springfield.” Other responses focused on
Weather
13
culture and diversity issues. Being a more
Cost of Living
11
ethnically diverse community with a “more
Don’t know
10
progressive approach to everything” was cited as
Government
10
a change that would make one respondent stay.
School/College
7
Finally, some respondents indicated that, though
they have thought about moving away from
Its home
6
Sangamon County, ultimately it is home. One
Other responses
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respondent said “this is where I am from. It is my
hometown.”
Obviously, citizens in Sangamon County, no matter how civically engaged, cannot change the
weather nor can they change personal circumstances which may influence a person’s desire to
leave Sangamon County. However, issues such as the economy, government, and education are
able to be addressed by local leaders and organizations.