Ever get that feeling that you just need to pack up and get out of dodge? You're not alone. Across the United States, people are loading up moving trucks and heading for greener pastures, leaving some states with a serious resident deficit.
Using data from moving companies and census reports, we've ranked 38 states that are seeing a surprising number of people say "so long." From high costs and family ties to the siren call of a better job, here’s a look at which states are watching their residents disappear in the rearview mirror.
New Jersey (66.9% Outbound)
Forget the jokes; people are leaving the Garden State in droves. With nearly 67% of moves being outbound, New Jersey takes the top spot for states people are fleeing. A huge chunk of those leaving are retirees (65 and older) looking for a more affordable place to spend their golden years.
Illinois (59.9% Outbound)
Illinois has been a top contender on this list for years, and it's not hard to see why. With nearly 60% of moves heading out of state, the economy is a major factor. While Chicago keeps its population numbers high, the consistent exodus of residents is a trend that's hard to ignore.
New York (59% Outbound)
The city that never sleeps might be tiring people out. With some of the most expensive cities to raise a family, it's no shock that 59% of moves are outbound. The high cost of living is a well-known issue, but family ties, retirement, and job opportunities are the main reasons New Yorkers are trading in their subway passes for moving vans.
California (58% Outbound)
You’d think it would be the wildfires or earthquakes, but it’s actually family that’s driving people out of the Golden State. While the cost of living is notoriously high, about 29% of the 58% of residents leaving cited family as their main reason. Job opportunities followed as the second biggest motivator.
Massachusetts (57.9% Outbound)
The cost of living in Massachusetts is nearly 44% higher than the national average, which could explain why it’s a net loser in population. With 57.9% of moves heading out of state, residents are primarily leaving for better job opportunities and to be closer to family.
North Dakota (57.8% Outbound)
Roughly 62.5% of people leaving North Dakota are doing so for a new job. A significant portion of the outbound crowd is between the ages of 45 and 64. Retirement is another major factor, as many residents look for warmer climates and more diverse opportunities.
Wyoming (56.7% Outbound)
Wyoming is seeing more residents pack up and leave, with jobs being the top reason at 37.5%. Family and lifestyle are tied for second at 25% each. For many, a perceived lack of new opportunities is enough to make them seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Mississippi (56.1% Outbound)
While the South has seen a population boom, Mississippi has remained stagnant. It has one of the lowest incomes per capita in the nation, which likely explains why almost 44% of people leaving are doing so for work. This trend of outbound moves has been consistent for some time.
Nebraska (55.6% Outbound)
Jobs are the primary driver for the 55.6% of Nebraskans leaving the state, followed by family and retirement. Beyond that, some rural counties are experiencing population decline due to seclusion and a lack of access, pushing more people toward more connected areas in other states.
Colorado (54.9% Outbound)
Even with its beautiful scenery, Colorado is seeing a 54.9% outbound migration rate. Family is the number one reason people are leaving, as many seek to be closer to loved ones. Rising living costs and housing challenges are also contributing to this trend.
Connecticut (54.4% Outbound)
Connecticut is one of the more expensive states to raise a family, so it's not surprising that people are heading out. With 54.4% of moves being outbound, the state has seen a steady population drop for several years. The biggest reasons for leaving are retirement, family, and lifestyle changes.
Louisiana (54.1% Outbound)
Louisiana is losing residents faster than almost any other state in the country. Of the 54.1% who moved out in 2024, a staggering 44.4% said their job (or lack thereof) was the reason. People are still leaving in search of better opportunities, despite a slight population increase after years of decline.
South Dakota (52.8% Outbound)
A whopping 50% of people leaving South Dakota are doing so for a new job. While the state offers a low cost of living, limited job diversity in certain sectors is a major challenge. The state's ability to retain its population will depend on its success in expanding workforce opportunities.
Michigan (52.3% Outbound)
Jobs and family are tied as the top reasons for leaving Michigan, each cited by about 27% of outbound residents. While the state boasts natural beauty and affordable living, challenges like a stagnant job market and harsh winters are driving people to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Kentucky (51.3% Outbound)
A full 51.3% of people in Kentucky are on their way out. The most common reason is a lack of employment opportunities, which, combined with low wages, makes the Bluegrass State a place many are eager to leave behind.
Maryland (50.9% Outbound)
A slight majority of Maryland's cross-border moves are taking residents out of state. With community pride taking a hit in its largest city, Baltimore, it's understandable that people are exploring other options. The top reasons for leaving in 2024 were family (27.4%), retirement (22.4%), and jobs (21.4%).
Pennsylvania (50.8% Outbound)
In Pennsylvania, 28.6% of outbound residents are leaving for better job opportunities, with another 21.2% leaving for family. Rural areas of the state have been hit particularly hard by this population decrease, a trend that is expected to continue for years to come.
Oklahoma (50.8% Outbound)
Oklahoma is seeing a notable number of residents leave in search of better economic opportunities and more diverse urban experiences. Jobs (35.5%) and family (30.9%) are the top two reasons people are packing their bags and leaving the Sooner State.
Ohio (50.4% Outbound)
Ohio has long struggled to keep its residents. Of all the moving traffic, 32.5% of relocations were for jobs, and 22.4% were for family. Projections show the state's population could decline by about 5.7% by 2050, indicating a significant and ongoing trend.
Maine (50.4% Outbound)
Maine is also experiencing outmigration, with family being the main reason at 33.8%. Harsh winters and limited career prospects in some industries also influence the decision for the 50.4% of residents who choose to leave.
Utah (50.1% Outbound)
You might be surprised to see Utah on this list, as it's one of the fastest-growing states. However, most of that growth comes from a high birth rate. When it comes to domestic migration, the outbound percentage is just a hair larger than the inbound, with 43.9% of those leaving doing so for a job.
Washington (50.1% Outbound)
While Washington's tech industry attracts many newcomers, the state is still seeing a 50.1% outbound rate. Family is the main reason for leaving at 35.8%, with the 65 and older demographic being the largest age group on the move.
Missouri (49.2% Outbound)
In 2024, nearly half of Missouri's residents packed their bags, with 31.1% citing family as their primary reason for leaving. Despite this, the state is predicted to see a significant population increase by 2030, so this trend may be temporary.
Texas (49.1% Outbound)
For a state as large as Texas, the outbound percentage of 49.1% is still significant. Even with its vast expanse and numerous cities, residents are still finding reasons to leave. The main drivers are jobs (32.4%) and family (28%).
Montana (48.8% Outbound)
In Montana, 48.8% of residents are choosing to move away, with a large portion of them being 65 or older. Retirement is a huge factor, as is the desire to be closer to family. It seems Montana is a great place for career opportunities but not for settling down permanently.
New Hampshire (48.5% Outbound)
New Hampshire has a higher inbound than outbound rate, but family is still a significant reason for people leaving, cited by 41.3% of movers. The largest demographic heading out is 65 or older, suggesting that many are leaving to be closer to loved ones.
Kansas (47.6% Outbound)
About 47.6% of movers in Kansas were leaving the state, with 48.5% citing jobs as the reason. Locals point to a slow recovery from the economic downturn and an increasingly older population as contributing factors to this trend.
Nevada (46.7% Outbound)
Despite its appeal with no state income tax and vibrant cities, Nevada still sees 46.7% of its moves heading outbound. Jobs (31.9%) and family (28.3%) are the major reasons, but rising housing costs and increasing urbanization are also pushing people out.
Wisconsin (46.6% Outbound)
Like many states, Wisconsin's cities are growing while its rural areas are shrinking. Though its inbound percentage is higher than its outbound, 46.6% of residents are still leaving. Job opportunities are the primary reason, making up 34.5% of the total.
Georgia (46.5% Outbound)
Georgia's southern charm and diverse economy aren't enough to keep everyone. With an outbound rate of 46.5%, residents are relocating for jobs and family. While the state has a low cost of living, dwindling job opportunities are a key concern.
Iowa (46.1% Outbound)
Iowa's population growth has been slow, and while metropolitan areas are seeing an upswing, rural communities are losing residents. Of the 46.1% leaving the state, most are doing so for jobs (38.6%) and family (23.8%).
Minnesota (46% Outbound)
Even with its friendly reputation, 46% of Minnesotans are moving elsewhere. As with many other states on this list, family is the biggest reason for leaving, cited by 29.5% of movers. Jobs and retirement are the next largest factors.
Tennessee (45.8% Outbound)
Tennessee is fairly neutral when it comes to moves, with a 45.8% outbound rate and a 54.2% inbound rate. However, a significant number of residents are still leaving, with jobs (29.8%) and family (28.9%) being the major motivators.
New Mexico (45.3% Outbound)
While more people are moving into New Mexico than out, 45.3% of residents are still leaving due to jobs and family. Limited career advancement and the need to be closer to loved ones are the primary drivers, though the state's cultural charm and affordability continue to attract newcomers.
Florida (44.9% Outbound)
Even with its warm weather and retirement appeal, Florida has a 44.9% outbound rate. Many residents leave for family-related reasons or to find better employment prospects elsewhere, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal and professional life in the Sunshine State.
Virginia (44.8% Outbound)
Population growth in Virginia is at its lowest since the 1920s, with nearly 45% of residents leaving. Family is the leading reason at 30%, but former residents also point to traffic, severe weather, and the cost of living as reasons for their departure.
Indiana (44.7% Outbound)
Indianapolis has driven much of Indiana's recent growth, but rural areas are struggling. With a 44.7% outbound rate, jobs are the number one reason residents are leaving, cited by 47.2% of movers.
Idaho (43.5% Outbound)
Idaho has the lowest outbound percentage on this list, but people are still leaving. Family is the main reason at 46%, followed by jobs at 20.6%. While the cost and lifestyle are attractive, limited career opportunities and distance from loved ones are causing some to move on.
