Have you ever noticed friends or family suddenly packing up and moving to a completely different state, leaving you wondering why? Last year, a cousin of mine suddenly moved from New Jersey to Texas, and I kept asking, “What’s going on?”
According to the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) released in 2024, about 8.8 million Americans relocated to a different state within the previous year. That’s a vast number of people chasing better opportunities, lower costs, or just a change of scenery.
Some states are experiencing long-term population shifts, with residents leaving at a faster rate than ever before. These trends reveal surprising patterns about where Americans want to live, work, and build their lives. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 states experiencing the most significant outflows and explore what’s driving so many people to relocate.
California
California tops the list, and honestly? I’m not shocked. Sure, the weather’s great and the beaches are gorgeous. Still, when a tiny apartment costs more than most people’s annual salary, something’s gotta give.
According to the PPIC and census data, California lost approximately 412,000 residents between July 2020 and July 2023 – that’s basically the entire population of Pittsburgh deciding “nah, we’re good.”
The tech industry might be booming, but median home prices hovering around $884,050 are making even well-paid professionals reconsider their zip codes. Add in some of the highest state income taxes in the nation (up to 13.3%), and suddenly that Florida sunshine starts looking pretty tempting.
New York
The Big Apple is becoming a little less crowded, and it’s not just because tourists are staying home. New York hemorrhaged residents at an alarming rate, with many citing the brutal cost of living and hefty tax burden as deal-breakers.
When your monthly rent could buy a decent house elsewhere, it makes you wonder if that bodega sandwich is really worth it. The state’s combined state and local tax rates can exceed 12%, which has high earners, especially, looking for the nearest exit ramp.
Illinois
Illinois is bleeding residents faster than you can say “deep dish pizza,” and it’s not just Chicago that’s taking the hit. The state’s financial troubles and some of the highest property taxes in the nation (averaging 2.07% annually) are making homeowners seriously question their loyalty.
Plus, those brutal winters aren’t exactly helping the cause – ever tried scraping ice off your car in -20°F weather? Yeah, Florida’s looking pretty good right about now.
Massachusetts
The Bay State is experiencing its own revolution – a moving truck revolution. Despite having world-class universities and healthcare, Massachusetts is watching residents flee thanks to some seriously steep living costs.
The median home price has surpassed $600,000, and don’t even get me started on Boston’s rent prices. When your monthly housing payment could fund a small vacation every month, people start questioning whether that Dunkin’ run is worth staying put.
New Jersey
New Jersey may be small, but it has significant challenges in retaining residents. The state consistently ranks among the highest for property taxes nationwide, with the average homeowner paying over $10,000 annually.
That’s before we even talk about income taxes, sales taxes, and basically every other way they can reach into your wallet. When you’re spending more on taxes than some people make in a year, those “Exit 0” signs start looking less like mile markers and more like life advice.
Michigan
Michigan might have some beautiful lakefront property, but apparently, that’s not enough to keep people from packing up the U-Haul. The state’s struggling economy in certain regions, combined with those legendary harsh winters, has residents looking south and west.
When your car needs winter prep that costs more than some people’s monthly grocery budget, and job opportunities feel as frozen as the Great Lakes, moving starts making profound sense.
Connecticut
Connecticut residents are rewriting their own personal constitutions, and “live in Connecticut” apparently isn’t making the cut anymore. The state’s high income taxes (up to 6.99%), combined with some of the country’s highest property tax rates, are driving people to greener and more affordable pastures.
The state ranks 47th in overall tax competitiveness, according to the Tax Foundation. IMO, when you’re paying premium prices for everything but getting hit with harsh winters and limited job growth, it’s time to explore your options.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is discovering that being the “Keystone State” doesn’t automatically guarantee its residents’ happiness. High taxes, particularly in cities like Philadelphia, combined with limited job growth in many areas, are pushing people to explore other options.
As of July 1, 2025, the Philadelphia Wage Tax for residents is 3.74%, a slight decrease from the previous rate of 3.75%. The state’s aging infrastructure and challenging business environment aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for people trying to build their futures either.
Louisiana – More Than Mardi Gras Can’t Fix
Louisiana faces a perfect storm of challenges that have residents considering their options elsewhere. In 2023 alone, it ranked 6th nationally for outmigration, with nearly 30,000 residents leaving the state.
Between frequent natural disasters (hello, hurricane season), struggling public services, and limited economic opportunities outside of specific industries, people are weighing their attachment to fantastic food and culture against practical concerns.
When you’re constantly rebuilding and the job market feels as unpredictable as the weather, other states start looking pretty stable.
West Virginia
West Virginia rounds out our list, and frankly, it’s heartbreaking. The state’s economic struggles, particularly with the decline of coal mining, have left many residents with limited opportunities.
At its peak, over 100,000 West Virginians worked in coal mines. Today, fewer than 20,000 remain employed in the industry.
Young people, especially, are heading elsewhere for education and careers, leaving behind a beautiful but economically challenged state. When the population is aging and job prospects feel limited, even mountain loyalty has its limits.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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