What state is most comparable to Michigan? (comparison, population, Chicago)
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Both IL and MI have one large dominant heavily-black city that has a major history of deindustrialization,, both have state capitals a good ways from the dominant city, both border a Great Lake(s) and have similar climates, both have flagship Big Ten universities, neither of which is in its dominant city or state capital, both were Blue states (in 2020) with a sizable Republican presence in their rural areas.
Old joke I remember from my days in Detroit: Detroit is a lousy city in a great state, but Chicago is a great city is a lousy sate. YMMV :--)
This. Having lived in Michigan and Illinois and spending a ton of time in Ohio, Michigan's once-removed twin is Wisconsin. It also shares similarities with N. Illinois. Even though Michigan borders Ohio, they are *very* different. Ohio leans almost to being southern, Michigan is squarely northern. Very different.
I have family in Michigan. It seems very much like my home in Minnesota... I've been to WI, which is a MN twin, and IL/IN/OH and those don't feel much like MN, but I guess it depends on where you visit!
Topographically I'd say Wisconsin. Economically and Demographically I'd say Ohio. I don't really agree with the Illinois comparison. Outstate IL is much more rural and farm country, and uninteresting in my opinion. Outstate MI has many more mid sized and small cities than IL, also quite a bit of it is vacation country. Chicago is utterly dominant of IL population wise, with its metro comprising near 80% of the states pop. Detroit metro's dominance by contrast isn't even half of Michigan's population as a whole.
I voted Illinois (mainly because of Chicago - Detroit) but I can see the case for Wisconsin as well.
Last edited by SEAandATL; 04-02-2021 at 07:40 AM..
Reason: Rewording
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