Red states are hemorrhaging
An interesting phenomenon appears to be happening among young people. Young people are taking off — running like the wind — leaving — red states. The National Bureau of Economic Research has some interesting data out in a new report. This concerns young people relocating from red states to blue or purple.
According to the findings of this paper, since the fall of Roe, 13 red states — the ones where it is most difficult to obtain an abortion — have lost many residents. This paper estimates about 36,000 people per quarter.
The ones moving out of state at the highest rates are single-person households. “Our results show that reproductive rights policies can signicantly affect where people choose to live.”
Prior to the fall of Roe, blue states were losing more residents than red. This phenomenon was especially high during the COVID years, but after some of our states started enacting harsh abortion laws and penalties, the ground shifted.
Some states that are seeing population losses of this kind include Arizona., Utah, Ohio, and Florida. With so many people leaving, this research paper also remarked that this could leave red states struggling to fill and retain top talent in work environments.
Here are these pesky unintended consequences again. Can we blame them? Who would want to live in places that are no more than cave-person bubbles, where one’s every move is scrutinized? The study also showed these younger people also prefer to do their studies in states where abortion is protected.
All of this does not bode well for red states. My opinion is that states most with the most draconian laws will undoubtedly continue to see their populations dwindle. That makes sense. Living in states that intentionally limit human freedom is anathema to most people. So it stands to reason some of these people would start casting their eyes around for greener pastures, more choice-friendly states, and areas that do not seek to imprison them for their beliefs, thoughts, and values.
