Connecticut showed up more than once on our list of most expensive states to raise a family, so it might not be too surprising that people are heading elsewhere. The United Van Lines study shows that 54.4% of their cross-state trips to Connecticut involved carrying people out of it, and a Bloomberg analysis of Census data reached a similar conclusion. While local officials say that school enrollment is up, the state has definitely seen a net decrease in population.
According to current trends, Connecticut's population has dropped steadily for the last several years. Unlike some states on this list, a comeback seems unlikely for the Constitution State. Retirement, family, and lifestyle are the biggest contributors to people moving away.
In 2024, 49.2% of Missouri's residents packed their bags, with 31.10% reporting their family as their reason for leaving the state. While the outbound percentage is significantly smaller than Connecticut's, it's evident that Missouri lacks closeness for families.
Despite the recent loss, according to the Missouri Office of Administration, Missouri is predicted to have a population of 6.8 million people by 2030, which would be a 21% increase. Perhaps, in 2030, we'll be talking about the percentage of people coming into the state rather than going out.
You might be confused to see Utah on this list if you keep up with the fastest-growing states in the country. While it’s true that Utah’s overall population has been booming, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute ??????blog, this metric focuses on domestic migration. The bulk of Utah’s population growth can be attributed to births; it's one of the fastest-growing states. However, its outbound percentage is just a hair larger than its inbound.
Natural increase, or the birth rate, have managed to keep Utah growing, despite the people leaving the state each year. While the state has factors continually increasing its population, the outbound still exceeds the inbound percentage by 0.2%. Job opportunity accounts for 43.90% of the population moving out of the state.
Both family and job are cited as their reason for leaving at 26.80%. Retirement rounds out the rest of the reasons for the change at 17.50%, while health, lifestyle, and cost are low enough that they don't have much significant weight on the outbound percentage.
Family and job aren't the only reasons Michigan's outbound percentage is quite high. Residents leave for better economic opportunities, warmer climates, or improved quality of life. While the state offers natural beauty and affordable living, challenges like job market stagnation and harsh winters drive migration.
According to the Pelican Institute, Louisiana saw an increase in 2024 after consecutive years of decline. However, residents are still leaving for better opportunities, and WWLTV even states, "Louisiana is losing residents faster than any state in the country."
Of the 54.1% who moved out of the state in 2024, 44.40% cited their job (or lack thereof) as the reason.
A slight majority of Maryland’s cross-border moves were to out-of-state locations instead of to internal ones. Community pride in Baltimore, the state’s largest city, has taken a hit recently, so it may be understanding for residents to want to explore other options elsewhere.
However, not all folks are leaving Maryland for the same reason. In 2024, the top three reasons for moving out of state were family (27.40%), retirement (22.40%), and job opportunities (21.40%).
Roughly 62.50% of outbound residents cite job opportunities as the reason for their move. Ages 45 - 64 account for more than 70% of the total outbound percentage.
Besides jobs, retirement makes up 25% of North Dakota residents' reasons for leaving the state. Many residents leave in search of more diverse opportunities and warmer climates. A snowy terrain probably isn't the best environment for your daily commute.
Despite its supposed status as a hipster playground, people are leaving New Jersey in droves. Based on moving van traffic into and out of the state, nearly 66.9% of movers were outbound, which means more people fled New Jersey last year than any other state in the nation. We'll take the high road and refrain from the easy jokes.
In particular, elders (65 and older) represent the largest demographic currently heading for the exits. All in all, New Jersey has been one of the hardest-hit northeastern states in terms of population decline. For most people, the biggest reason for leaving the state is retirement.
Considering that fully half of the 10 most expensive cities to raise a family are all located in New York, it might not be surprising that people are leaving. New York City has a reputation as one of the world's greatest cities, but real estate costs are so expensive they have to be explained away on TV sitcoms—which doesn't bode well for real-life people trying to live there.
Of people who hired a moving truck in 2024, 59% were leaving New York, versus the 41% who were moving into the state. Family (25.90%), retirement (20.80%), and job (15.70%) are the top three reasons New Yorkers are leaving the city that never sleeps.
About 58% of California residents moved out of state in 2024, and it turns out it's not because of all the wildfires or earthquakes but because of family reasons.
You would think the reason for leaving would be the high cost of living, but only 9% was cited for lifestyle, while jobs (21.20%) and family (29.30%) were the two biggest reasons for leaving the state.
Like many other states across the country, Wisconsin is seeing its population centers grow while its rural areas are losing residents. So, while many residents are moving internally to large cities, when looking just at cross-border moves, Wisconsin comes out on the negative side.
At 34.50%, job opportunities make up the majority of the total outbound residents (46.6%). Luckily for Wisconsin, the inbound percentage is higher than the outbound one at 53.4%. Still, the number of residents leaving Wisconsin is enough to make some heads turn.
Montana, as of 2024, has 48.8% of its residents choosing to move away. Many of the residents leaving Montana are 65+, so retirement is a huge factor here at 19.20%. The other major reason for leaving is family, at 30.80%.
Coincidentally, 16.70% of those moving to Montana are moving for a new job. So the consensus here is that Montana is a land of opportunity for those just starting out in their career, but when it comes time to retire, they move back to wherever their family resides.
In fact, Iowa is doing better than some of these other states, with a higher inbound percentage than outbound at 53.9%. However, internal growth factors in Iowa remain steady but slow. The total outbound in 2024 was 46.1%.
While some cities in Iowa have seen growth over the last decade, this upswing seems to be isolated to metropolitan areas. Rural communities have borne the brunt of citizens leaving the state. Residents are leaving mainly for jobs (38.60%) and family (23.80).
Mississippi’s population has been relatively stagnant for some time, especially considering the boom in moves to the Southern U.S. In fact, it was recently passed up by its neighbor, Arkansas, in total population. Much of the outbound moves can probably be attributed to it having one of the lowest incomes per capita in the country. That being said, total outbound increased a bit in 2024 at just 56.1%.
This lack of relative wealth in Mississippi would explain why almost 43.90% of respondents said they were leaving the state for job reasons. Other factors that could contribute to leaving trailed far behind this clear majority.
Ohio has long struggled to keep people from moving out. In fact, of all Ohio's moving traffic, 32.50% of the relocations were for job reasons, and 22.40% were for family.
According to nbc4i.com, Ohio's population is projected to decline by about 5.7%, or 675,000 people, from 2020 to 2050. Evidently, Ohio is experiencing a staggering decline in residents.
In Pennsylvania, many people are leaving due to job opportunities. As a matter of fact, in 2024, 28.60% of outbound residents cited job opportunities as the reason for leaving. Another 21.20% cited family as their reasons for leaving.
According to the Center for Rural PA, Pennsylvania is losing residents at a faster rate than expected. Rural areas of the state are getting the brunt of this population decrease, and population shrinkage is expected to continue for the next thirty years.
Kansas's percentage of movers leaving the state this past year was 47.6%. Locals cite slow recovery from the economic downturn. Around 48.50% cited jobs as the reason for leaving.
However, economics might not be the only thing contributing to this loss of residents. According to the United States Census Bureau, the median age for a Kansas resident is 36, which points to an increasingly older population.
As is the nationwide trend, southern states have seen an uptick in population growth. That means Massachusetts comes out as a net loser when examining in-state and out-of-state moves. Part of the contributing factor could be that Massachusetts has a cost of living that is nearly 44% greater than the U.S. average.
The main reason for residents leaving is job opportunities at 24.50%, and family comes in a close second at 24.10%. When you compare the outbound and inbound percentages, the difference is stifling: a whopping 15.8%.
Indianapolis, the state’s capital, was the main driver of Indiana’s growth in the past few years. The rural areas of the state, meanwhile, are having a tough time. Those particularly reliant upon manufacturing saw a population decline. People living in counties close to the state border seem to have crossed over.
Indiana has one of the lowest outbound percentages. Its total inbound is 55.3%, a drastic difference compared to the outbound. However, residents are still leaving the state, with jobs being the number one reason at 47.20%.
Illinois has been in the top five for several years, and this year it comes in at #2 with 59.9% of movers leaving because of the state of the economy.
Despite this drop in residents, Illinois is still the sixth-largest state in the nation, population-wise. This is largely thanks to the size of Chicago, but with consistent movement out of the state, it's unclear how long they will be able to maintain their position.
Population growth in Virginia is at its lowest since the 1920s. Almost 44.8% of its residents are leaving the state.
As far as reasons why people are leaving Virginia in droves, family takes the lead at 30%. Some former Virginians have pointed to traffic, severe weather, and the cost of living as reasons to say goodbye.
Kentucky isn’t currently getting much love from its residents. A full 51.3% of people living there are on the way out.
The most common reason for leaving the state is a lack of employment opportunities. This, combined with low wages, makes Kentucky a place that people want to leave.
Minnesotans may be friendly, but they’re not too thrilled about where they live. 46% of residents are making a move elsewhere.
Just as with many states on this list, where family seem to be the reason for leaving with 29.50% citing it as the main reason. Reasons of job and retirement were the next biggest factors.
Wyoming has seen an uptick in residents fleeing its borders. Jobs are the main reason for the dwindling population, at 37.50%. Family and lifestyle come in second, both at 25%.
There also may be a perceived lack of opportunities in Wyoming. It’s not a state that most would consider moving to and those who are already residing there probably wish to get out for something new.
Following the trend of most of states on this list, Nebraska residents are leaving due to jobs (34.20%). Family comes in second place at 20.50% and retirement in third at 19.20%.
There are other reasons Nebraska residents are leaving besides jobs, family, or retirement. According to Nebraska News Service, counties are experiencing a decline in population due to seclusion and being set aside for highway access.
Colorado faces a 54.9% outbound migration rate, with family being the leading reason for residents leaving. Many seek proximity to loved ones or return to their roots.
Coupled with rising living costs and housing challenges, this shift highlights a changing landscape that influences population trends across the state. Jobs come in second as the reason people are leaving rather than coming into the state.
Jobs are the largest contributor to why South Dakota’s population is decreasing at a whopping 50%. Many individuals seek better employment opportunities, career advancement, or higher salaries elsewhere.
While South Dakota boasts a low cost of living and a welcoming community, limited job diversity and growth in certain sectors contribute to this trend. The state's ongoing efforts to expand workforce opportunities and invest in economic development will be pivotal in addressing these challenges and retaining its population in the future.
Oklahoma has seen a notable trend of residents leaving the state, often seeking better economic opportunities, educational prospects, or more diverse urban experiences elsewhere
Once again, jobs and family are the top contributors to people leaving state borders. For Oklahoma, jobs are cited as 35.50% and family is 30.90%.
Maine has experienced its own patterns of outmigration, with residents sometimes leaving in search of greater economic opportunities, higher-paying jobs, or access to larger metropolitan areas. Harsh winters and limited career prospects in certain industries can also influence these decisions.
With a total outbound of 50.4%, family (33.80%) is the main reason for Maine residents leaving, and lifestyle (16.30%) comes in second.
The state attracts residents to its booming technology industry, particularly in cities like Seattle, as well as its thriving agricultural and aerospace sectors. However, the state is seeing some depletion in its population.
Washington's 50.1% outbound is mainly due to family, at 35.80%. Residents 65 or older are cited as the top age range leaving, so perhaps elders are leaving to be closer to their loved ones.
For such a large state, the inbound percentage is slightly higher than the outbound percentage for Texas. Maybe that’s due to the vast expanse Texas offers; residents have several options of counties, towns, and cities to choose from.
However, the outbound percentage is still 49.1%, so Texans are finding some unfavorable factors about the state. The main reason for leaving is job at 32.40% and then family at 28%.
Just like Texas, New Hampshire’s inbound percentage is higher than its outbound percentage. It looks like the state’s health, cost, and lifestyle factors are why residents are coming in more than going out.
However, family is significant to why people are leaving, cited at 41.30%. The largest age demographic leaving New Hampshire is 65 or older, so it appears the state is far from most of the residents family.
Nevada's appeal with jobs, no state income tax, and vibrant cities like Las Vegas continue to draw many newcomers. Despite Nevada's overall inbound percentage being higher, with more residents arriving than leaving, 46.7% of outbound moves highlight its challenges.
Residents cite jobs, at 31.90%, and family, at 28.30%, as major reasons. Rising housing costs and increasing urbanization are more reasons why residents choose to leave.
Georgia, known for its southern charm, diverse economy, and scenic beauty, also experiences a dynamic population movement. With an outbound rate of 46.5%, slightly lower than Nevada's, it still faces challenges driving residents to relocate.
Common reasons include jobs and family. The state has low costs, but job opportunities appear to be dwindling, and residents are not close enough to their families.
Tennessee is neutral regarding inbound and outbound percentages. With a total outbound of 45.8% and an inbound of 54.2%, residents are evidently satisfied with what the state has to offer.
However, the outbound is still high enough that it’s clear a number of residents aren’t happy with Tennessee. The major reasons are jobs (29.80%) and family (28.90%).
While New Mexico’s inbound percentage exceeds the outbound rate, 45.3% of residents leave due to jobs and family. Limited career advancement opportunities and the need to be closer to loved ones are primary drivers.
Despite this, the state attracts newcomers, balancing these departures with its cultural charm and affordable living. Challenges like limited job opportunities and family are enough to make residents leave but perhaps, years later they’ll want to come back and bask in New Mexico’s charm once again.
Florida's outbound percentage is 44.9%, although its inbound percentage surpasses this figure. Many residents leave due to family-related reasons or job opportunities elsewhere.
While Florida offers warm weather and retirement appeal, these factors highlight the challenges individuals face when balancing personal obligations or seeking better employment prospects.
On this list, Idaho has the lowest outbound percentage. Its inbound percentage is quite high, at 56.5%. Yet, the state still experiences residents leaving.
Family is the main reason, at 46%, followed by jobs at 20.60%. While factors such as cost and lifestyle keep residents happy, limited career opportunities and far distances from loved ones are causing Idaho’s population to slightly decrease.
