Illinoisans have lowest opinions of homestate
Illinoisans have lowest opinions of homestate (Tribune Illustration / April 24, 2014)
 
Illinois residents think they live in the worst state in the country, according to a recent poll from Gallup. Even though Midwesterners are generally more positive about their states, Illinois residents are the exception, with 25 percent declaring that it is “the worst possible state to live.”
The particularly grim outlook of Illinois residents could be attributed to factors like high-profile scandals and high taxes.
Other Gallup polls found that Illinois residents have the least trust in their state government and are one of the most resentful about how much they pay in state taxes.
Rhode Island and Connecticut join Illinois at the bottom, with 17 percent of residents declaring their home states the worst, according to poll conducted over the phone with at least 600 residents in every state from June to December 2013.
Montanans and Alaskans, on the other hand, think highly of their states, with 77 percent saying that theirs is the best or one of the best states to live. Residents of Utah, Wyoming and Colorado also put their home states in the top 10.
Residents with the most pride generally boast a greater standard of living, higher trust in state government and less resentment toward the amount they pay in state taxes, according to the Gallup poll.
Most of the highly touted states had smaller populations, according to the poll, and many of the top 10 — for no discernible reason — are mountainous with cold winters.
mmrodriguez@tribune.com