- Born In-State: 46%
- Born Out-of-State: 44%
- Foreign Born: 11%
Oregon ranks tenth in states with the lowest homegrown population and showcases a born-in-state percentage of 46%. Oregon has stunning natural landscapes and a progressive culture. A thriving tech industry lures non-native residents seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and urban amenities. Oregon's reputation for sustainability and quality of life contributes to its appeal as a destination for newcomers.
- Born In-State: 45%
- Born Out-of-State: 44%
- Foreign-Born: 10%
Delaware, tied at eighth among states with the lowest homegrown population, boasts a born-in-state percentage of 45%. Its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and lack of sales tax make it a haven for corporate headquarters. While a large number of those companies don't actually have offices in Delaware, the state still draws a large number of corporate professionals from across the country. This economic magnetism is blended with coastal charm and historical significance as the first state to ratify the Constitution. Delaware continuously attracts foreign-born and out-of-state residents to its welcoming shores.
- Born In-State: 45%
- Born Out-of-State: 48%
- Foreign-Born: 7%
Idaho ranks as the state with the eighth lowest homegrown population (tied with Delaware). Idaho is home to stunning natural beauty and affordable living. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is located in Idaho, as well as a 50-square-mile section of Yellowstone National Park. The growing tech sector attracts a steady stream of non-Idaho residents seeking a higher quality of life and employment opportunities. During the 2020 pandemic, Idaho was one of the top states that former residents of California were headed to. They make up a large chunk of that out-of-state-born percentage.
- Born In-State: 43%
- Born Out-of-State: 47%
- Foreign-Born: 10%
With 43% of the population born in the state, Alaska stands as the state with the seventh lowest homegrown population. "The Last Frontier," as it's called, has a vast wilderness and unique lifestyle. Oil, fishing, and tourism jobs are abundant. These draw individuals from around the globe. Did you know that Alaska residents get a yearly check from the state government? The Alaska Permanent Fund, paid for by revenues in the oil and mining industries, distributes around $1,000 every year to almost every Alaskan. In 2023, the check was $1,312. It sure does pay to be an Alaskan!
- Born In-State: 42%
- Born Out-of-State: 47%
- Foreign-Born: 11%
Colorado ranks as the state with the fifth-lowest percentage of its population born within its borders: only 42%. This is tied with Wyoming. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation, Colorado has been the 5th fastest-growing state in the past decade. All of those new residents have to be coming from somewhere! And it's from other states. Colorado magnetizes non-native residents seeking adventure and career opportunities. Maybe it's the clean mountain air or the numerous snow days. Regardless, it continuously attracts newcomers from various backgrounds.
- Born In-State: 42%
- Born Out-of-State: 53%
- Foreign-Born: 4%
Wyoming is tied for fifth in states with the lowest homegrown population. Colorado is the other. Its pristine wilderness and low population density mean that this is the perfect place to reside if you want to own expansive tracts of land where you can't even see your neighbors. That low population density made the state attractive when people were moving around during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wyoming's strong economy is driven by energy and tourism. Remember that both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are located here. Not many other states can boast that. The state's charm, job opportunities, and quality of life attract individuals from across the nation.
- Born In-State: 41%
- Born Out-of-State: 52%
- Foreign-Born: 7%
New Hampshire ranks fourth among states with the lowest homegrown population. The Granite State has a born-in-state percentage of 41%. The state's scenic beauty, low crime rates, and favorable tax policies entice individuals from neighboring states seeking a high quality of life. Economic opportunities abound in industries like healthcare and technology. And even though most people think of the Northeast as a densely populated urban conglomeration, New Hampshire has dense forests and mountainous terrain. The highest ski mountains on the East Coast are here! Tourists visit, and then fall in love.
- Born In-State: 40%
- Born Out-of-State: 46%
- Foreign-Born: 14%
Arizona is the state with the third-lowest population born in-state. Its allure as a haven for retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and job seekers contributes to a steady influx of non-native residents. The state's warm climate, diverse landscapes, and economic opportunities attract individuals from across the country. Arizona has been in the top 10 of the fastest-growing states since 2010. Even more astounding, Californians alone accounted for nearly 1/4th of all domestic migrants who ended up in Phoenix according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey in 2020. In Tucson, Californians made up 1 in 5!
- Born In-State: 36%
- Born Out-of-State: 39%
- Foreign-Born: 24%
With a born-in-state percentage of 36%, Florida ranks as the state with the second lowest percentage of population born within its borders. Its appeal as a retirement haven and tourist hotspot hub draws a large influx of non-native residents seeking warmth and leisure opportunities. Florida's percentage of foreign-born residents is the third-highest in the country. It trails only California and New York. The difference is that people aren't moving from other states to California like they are to Florida. That's why 56% of Californians are born in-state, twenty percentage points more than Florida.
- Born In-State: 27%
- Born Out-of-State: 52%
- Foreign-Born: 21%
Nevada boasts the lowest homegrown population among all states! It’s a haven for transplants drawn to its vibrant cities and desert landscapes. Nevada's inclusion on this list shouldn't come as a surprise. It's in the top 5 of the fastest-growing states in the country and has been for the past decade. If there's one theme we can pinpoint from looking at the list as a whole, it's that this trend is focused out West. Only 3 states are on the East Coast.
