TJ, I just include natural phenomena as acts of God. Forgive my jumbling of science and faith.
Areas with higher COLs have higher real estate values, higher paying jobs, typically greater numbers of jobs, etc.
Just make sure you don't confuse "higher cost of living" with "better lifestyle." I'd take a $30k job in the lower Mississippi delta buying a $150k house over a $75k job and a $450k house in Philadelphia any day. I think this is a realization many people are coming to across the country.
Gavin, illegal immigration from our southern neighbors didn't begin in the last 10-20 years as many may believe based on the "news." Every census has had errors for many reasons. This isn't a new misrepresentation nor is it the only one. Illegal immigration isn't your scapegoat on this issue.
I don't know the specifics of Missouri's populations and don't feel like looking it up but its most likely because one large city or one large rural district lost a significant portion of its population or didn't grow at the rate of the rest of the state. Northeast Ohio lost a congressional seat in the state because Cleveland's population either grew slower than the rest of the state or actually declined (not sure which exactly). This is normal. Again, not the fault of Mexicans (or even if it is, its not a new problem caused by some new surge of immigrants).
This isn't a new trend; people have been moving south since the 80s. I did research on this topic in college, but it is admittedly pretty boring and irrelevant for most intents and purposes. Its really just the moving of resources from area to another. The most exciting it gets is when you start talking about gerrymandering, which is probably the reason behind Gavin's report of Missouri losing a congressional seat, not actually a real result of population shifts, even though that's the way it will be reported. I thought I'd start this topic to discuss why populations are shifting, though. I don't believe its just because old people are moving to warmer climates and suddenly wanting to save their money. It certainly isn't because Mexicans are all of a sudden crossing the border.
As a prime example:
Who is responsible for the absolute financial disaster California is in? Don't take the easy route/scapegoat and blame illegal aliens. Doing so only admits that they are equally skilled/educated but will work for less than you will. Either you are worth more money because you are more skilled/educated or you don't really want the jobs they're taking. If it's the former, ask yourself why you are only as skilled as somebody desperate enough to risk crossing a desert, leaving their family behind, and living/working in the black market without the advantages your country purportedly affords you. Or maybe even ask yourself why you aren't that desperate for the job they took from you. Either way, I have more admiration for the illegal immigrant. They may be law breakers, but they're finding a way to better their lives, not looking for someone to blame for their misfortunes.
The silicone valley used to be the leader in computer technology; that market is rapidly moving to Canada and the far east. California used to be an agricultural haven; now marijuana is king crop. Military aircraft was big business in California; not anymore. Hollywood was the envy of socialites worldwide; now its a gangland and home to a handful of secluded wealthy lunatics. California public education used to be a model for the country; now its a case study for dealing with drop outs. I could continue, but I think I've made my point. Any explanation besides blaming brown people?
