Nearly two-thirds of New York State residents have either considered leaving the state or know someone who is planning to leave, according to a new Empire Center for Public Policy survey reported by the New York Post.

The survey of 600 New Yorkers found that 33% have personally considered leaving within the next five years, while another 30% said they know someone considering a move.

Taxes were the leading reason cited, at 30%, followed by the cost of living at 25%. Politics and government came in at 15%, while public safety and housing affordability were each cited by 6%.

The Empire Center found that the desire to leave cuts across demographic groups, although the reasons vary. Taxes ranked highest among men, Republicans and respondents ages 55 to 74, while the cost of living was the leading concern among women, Democrats and respondents ages 18 to 54.

Separate data from the Citizens Budget Commission has also documented significant domestic outmigration from New York City in recent years, with affordability, taxes and quality-of-life concerns among the challenges facing the city.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)