10 States People Are Fleeing And 10 States People Are Moving To

According to data in the 2021 United Van Lines annual national movers study, the most common reason, by far, for moving during the years leading up to last was work-related. Although still at the top of the list, moving for work dropped nearly 19% from 2019 to 2021, while moving closer to family saw a significant increase in popularity and now ranks just .7% behind work-related moving. Moving to be closer to family had jumped nearly 13% since 2015 when it lagged behind work-related moving by over 41%.

Retirement and lifestyle moves saw only slight percentage increases last year, but both are up nearly 5% over 2015. Increases in retirement moving will likely continue to rise as the number of persons reaching age 65 increases yearly, according to a May 2021 report from the Administration for Community Living. Cost of living moves increased by 3.7%, while health-related moving decreased somewhat.

According to USPS change-of-address data, these are the 10 top states people are fleeing. 

1. California

2021 saw a net loss of over 101 thousand households in California despite a mostly pleasant climate and robust tech industry. Rising housing costs, rising taxes and politics seem to be driving many people to look for opportunities elsewhere. Other factors that emigrants have cited are the rising threat of wildfires and the constantly increasing cost of living. Many families from the state are relocating to Texas.  

Related: Moving Companies California

2. New York

Moving out of New York has become trendy, it would seem. The skyrocketing cost of living and ever-increasing local, state and federal taxes are driving factors. Many technology and banking industry workers that had spent a great deal of time in the office have found that working remotely due to the pandemic better suits their desires, allowing them to leave the city and, perhaps, live closer to extended family members. New York saw a net loss of over 75 thousand families last year. 

Related: Moving Companies NYC

3. Illinois

IllinoisPolicy.org cited opportunities for employment and better housing as the leading cause of the population decline in the state. Nearly half of would-be movers also said that the tax rate is a major factor in their reasons for leaving. About 29 thousand outbound moves weren’t reciprocated in 2021. Weather, high traffic levels and crime only make the declining population problem worse for the state. 

4. Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania’s decline of 18 thousand-plus households recently directly results from job losses resulting from the pandemic. The state’s sometimes sketchy weather doesn’t help either. Many families are seeking better employment odds in nearby states, while a considerable number of them are taking the opportunity to head for warmer weather and a lower cost of living. 

5. Massachusetts

Several publications list retirement and work motives as the reasons behind Massachusetts’ population decline. The state realized a net loss of 15,489 households last year. Recent history shows strong GDP growth and a robust economy. Yet, similar to its neighboring states, the recent push towards remote work allows families to leave high-density population areas and choose more suburban lifestyles beyond the state’s borders. 

6. Washington

Former Washington residents are finding refuge from the state’s skyrocketing cost of living in places like Oregon and Idaho. Oregon’s cost of living is 7% cheaper, while Idaho boasts the lowest cost of living among the western states. With the ever-deepening housing crisis and the ability for many to work from home, it’s no wonder the Evergreen State experienced a loss of over 13 thousand families last year. 

7. Colorado

Once considered a swing state, Colorado’s politics have shifted towards the left in recent years. Conservatives leaving the state for Texas and Arizona are on the move. Overall, 12,145 families left Colorado last year, and politics was just one small factor. The high cost of living and out-of-reach real estate prices continue to drive would-be homebuyers out of the area, while traffic congestion, increasing crime rates and pollution seal the deal for many deciding to leave.  

8. Indiana

Indiana’s overall population loss of nearly 12 thousand families last year is a result of lower than average pay. Despite the state’s low cost of living, Indiana’s neighboring states pay better. Those looking for substantial pay increases are looking elsewhere. Another factor in the decline is the state’s taxing of retirement income. Retired people on a fixed income may see better options outside of Indiana. 

9. Michigan 

Divided almost exactly into thirds, families leaving Michigan cited retirement, family and employment opportunities as their reason for leaving the state. Despite the nationwide worker shortages, young families in the state still feel like better working conditions exist across state lines. Michigan experienced a net loss of nearly 11 thousand households last year.  

10. Wisconsin

Ten thousand more families left Wisconsin last year than moved in. Much of the decline is blamed on the fallout from the pandemic. Job changes and being closer to family became more accessible in the current employment environment, and the state’s high tax rates and harsh weather were the last straw for emigrants. 

Southern states, where taxes tend to be low and sunshine is abundant, make up the top seven places moving destinations. These are the top ten recent population gainers. 

1. Texas 

According to the USPS, Texas gained over 12,700 residents overall in 2021. Part of the influx is due to the state’s conservative political environment, which is inviting to many people from nearby liberal states. Low taxes, a robust economy, a low cost of living and excellent weather round out the list of why Texas is a popular destination. 

Related: Moving Companies Texas

2. Florida 

An admittedly non-scientific survey conducted by  The Tampa Bay Times told of taxes, affordable housing, sunshine and relaxed Covid restrictions being the leading causes of Florida’s influx of residents. Sandy beaches and tropical weather are a magnet for those searching for the affordable endless summer. Florida has always been a favorite of retirees and is now attracting a younger crowd with jobs that allow them to move around.  

Related: Moving Companies Florida

3. South Carolina

Charleston.com cited reasons similar to Florida’s population increase, with the addition of people in search of green space as the drivers behind South Carolina’s growth. The pandemic has spurred migration to the state through remote work allowing families to move closer together and a strong job market keeping existing residents there. The state saw a net gain of over 10 thousand residents last year. 

4. North Carolina 

Many sources describe the reasons for North Carolina’s recent inflow of residents as being work, family and weather-related. North Carolina’s topography makes the state one of the most sought-after places to live among outdoor enthusiasts. The state saw a 9,000 person net increase in 2021 due largely to families’ newfound ability to choose where they live. 

5. Georgia

Georgia realized a net population gain of just over 5,000 last year. The state is full of outdoor activity opportunities, tropical summers, mild winters, beaches and plenty of mountainous terrains. It’s no wonder families are arriving in droves to take advantage of the low housing costs and the strong job market in Georgia.

6. Tennessee

Tourism is the number two industry in Tennessee. A net gain of over 4,500 families in the state can partially be attributed to many people deciding that Tennessee is ideal for living like you’re on vacation. Tennessee’s low cost of living, low taxes, expanding job market and natural beauty make it a perfect location to call home for many retirees and young families alike

7. Nevada

Nevada’s population grew by over 3,100 families last year. Many of the immigrants came from the Pacific Northwest and southern states that are typically more humid than Nevada. Always popular with retirees for its weather, the state’s proximity to adventure-laden places in its five neighboring states, and its low cost of living are major driving factors in the populating surge among younger movers.  

8. Maine

Many people leaving more expensive New England states are moving to their relatively low-cost, northerly neighbor, Maine. The state saw a net influx of over 2,500 families recently. Maine offers all of the benefits of New England, living without the crowds or the expense. During the pandemic, remote workers and those seeking new employment flocked to the state. 

9. Delaware

For much of the same reasons as Maine, Delaware is the other popular place to move to. Low taxes, affordable housing, its own strong job market and its proximity to nearby financial stronghold states have made Delaware a go-to place to set up home while still enjoying all the trappings of east coast living. The state grew by almost 2,200 families last year. 

10. Idaho

Right next door to crowded, expensive west coast states sit Idaho. With its low cost of living, Idaho is a state that’s close enough to the water without the real-estate woes of living right on the coast. In both agriculture and medicine, booming job markets are also driving the population increase in and around Boise. Nearly 1,800 more households came in than left last year.