The Top 15 U.S States Americans Are Moving Out From in Droves
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If you’ve noticed a lot of “For Sale” signs popping up in your neighborhood, you might be living in one of the states Americans are leaving in droves. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the number of people who moved between the states increased from almost 7.9 million in 2021 to nearly 8.2 million in 2022. Population shifts aren’t new, but recent years have seen some dramatic changes.
Once bustling hubs, states like California and New York are seeing significant outflow. Several factors contribute to why people are leaving these states. High living costs, job market fluctuations, and better opportunities elsewhere play significant roles. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated these trends, pushing people away from densely populated urban areas in search of more space and lower costs.
California
California, known for its sunny beaches and Hollywood glamour, is surprisingly known for its sky-high cost of living. Housing prices, taxes, and overall expenses push residents to seek more affordable pastures.
According to the U.S. Bureau, roughly 818,000 California residents moved out of state between 2021 and 2022. Many are moving to states with lower living costs, such as Texas and Arizona.
New York
Like California, New York faces high living costs, particularly in NYC. The hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps can be thrilling but also draining and expensive.
With remote work becoming more feasible, many New Yorkers opt for quieter, cheaper locales. According to the Census Bureau, about 545,600 people moved from New York between 2021 and 2022.
Illinois
With Illinois’ budget woes and high property taxes, it’s no wonder people are leaving. Chicago, known for its rich culture and history, is notorious for its crime rates and financial strain on residents. More than 344,000 people left Illinois in 2022. Folks are seeking better opportunities in states like Indiana and Wisconsin.
Massachusetts
Despite being home to world-renowned universities and hospitals, Massachusetts isn’t immune to outmigration. High housing costs and cold winters drive residents to warmer, more affordable regions like Florida and North Carolina. One hundred ten thousand people moved out of the state over the first two years of the pandemic.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s proximity to New York City means it shares many of the same issues—high property taxes and living costs. Many Garden State residents are preparing for states with better affordability and job prospects. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, about 267,000 people moved out of the state in 2022.
Louisiana
Louisiana has a rich cultural history and fantastic food but faces economic challenges and natural disasters like hurricanes.
These factors force many residents to relocate to safer, more stable environments. An estimated 105,897 Americans left Louisiana in 2022 for a different part of the country.
Maryland
High taxes and a competitive job market are driving Marylanders away. While the state boasts beautiful landscapes and proximity to Washington, D.C., many residents are leaving for states with lower living costs and better job opportunities. An estimated 205,406 Americans left Maryland in 2022 for a different part of the country.
Hawaii
Paradise comes at a price. Living in Hawaii means dealing with high costs and limited job opportunities.
Many Hawaiians are moving to the mainland, where they can find more affordable living situations and diverse career options. A Census Bureau report found that more than 67,257 people left Hawaii between 2021 and 2022.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a mix of urban and rural living but faces high taxes and sluggish job growth. Residents move out for better economic opportunities and lower taxes in states like Virginia and North Carolina.
West Virginia
West Virginia’s scenic beauty can’t mask its economic struggles. Limited job opportunities and low wages push residents to seek greener pastures elsewhere. Between 2021 and 2022, approximately 41,000 people moved to another state.
Oregon
Oregon might be famous for its coffee culture and beautiful landscapes. Still, it’s also known for high living costs and increasing wildfires, which drive residents to states with lower costs and fewer environmental hazards. More than 157,000 people moved out of state in 2022.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s high taxes and living expenses are causing residents to flee. Despite its picturesque New England charm, people seek more affordable living in neighboring states. An estimated 88,733 Americans left Connecticut in 2022.
Colorado
Surprisingly, even Colorado is seeing an outflow of residents. While it’s known for its stunning mountains and outdoor lifestyle, high housing costs and a competitive job market push people to more affordable states. In 2022, 239,200 people moved out of the state.
Michigan
Michigan’s economic recovery has been slow, causing many to leave for better job opportunities. The harsh winters are another factor driving residents to warmer climates. In 2022, 167,900 people moved out of the state.
Minnesota
Minnesota offers a high quality of life but comes with high taxes and cold winters. These factors motivate residents to seek out sunnier, more affordable places to live. An estimated 156,845 Americans left Minnesota in 2022 for a different part of the country.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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