The States More Americans Are Flocking To, And The Ones They’re Leaving Behind

Inbound: 74%

Outbound: 26%

Population: 643,077

America’s second smallest state by population, Vermont saw nearly three times as many newcomers as leavers. Perhaps it’s the plentiful space in Vermont that attracts people. According to United Van Lines, Vermont is among the 20 states with the lowest population density. There are fewer than 100 people in each square mile. Room to swing a cat.

Inbound: 69%

Outbound: 31%

Population: 902,542

Could it be the majestic presidential faces carved into the cliffs of Mount Rushmore that draw so many people to hightail it to South Dakota? Then again, the fact the cost of living is lower than the U.S. average can hardly fail to be an attraction. A notably low unemployment rate — less than three percent — also makes the state a popular destination.

Inbound: 63%

Outbound: 37%

Population: 5,342,388

The major pull of some states is ready availability of employment. But that’s not the case when it comes to the Palmetto State. More than a third of arrivals to South Carolina come to make it their retirement home. Given the preponderance of desirable beachside properties and rolling golf courses, that seems like a wise choice.

Inbound: 63%

Outbound: 38%

Population: 1,755,715

It’s no surprise that a state that hosts the scenic marvels of the Blue Ridge Mountains is chosen by lots of people when they decide to make a move. After all, in his 1971 hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” John Denver sang that West Virginia was “almost heaven.” But the allure of the state is based on more than the wonders of nature. In fact, the single most cited reason for arriving in West Virginia is the buoyant employment opportunities.

Inbound: 62%

Outbound: 38%

Population: 22,177,997

Why do people move to Florida? A clue is writ large in the state’s nickname, “The Sunshine State.” Retirees from around the nation flock to Florida for the thoroughly pleasant weather and the long coastline. Canny folks who’ve left the world of work are also pulled in by Florida’s tax-friendly policies for senior citizens.

Inbound: 62%

Outbound: 38%

Population: 4,949,697

Famed for its friendly Southern hospitality, Alabama is attracting people from across the U.S. The state has a pleasant year-round climate and boasts 50 miles of beaches skirting its Gulf of Mexico coastline. It’s also a great location for live music lovers, since the Yellowhammer State hosts almost 30 festivals each year.

Inbound: 62%

Outbound: 38%

Population: 7,001,803

So, what’s there to like about Tennessee? How about no state income tax and low property taxes? Then there’s the fact the cost of living is one of the lowest in the U.S. But it’s not just about pocketbooks and purses. The Volunteer State has an enviable climate, rarely seeing extreme weather. Plus there’s the outstanding natural beauty the state offers — just think of the Great Smoky Mountains and the dramatic scenery of the Tennessee River Gorge.

Inbound: 61%

Outbound: 40%

Population: 4,325,290

Almost 360 miles of coast line with all beaches public, extraordinary scenery in places like the Alvord Desert and Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Plus the state has no sales tax and there’s a thriving economy. Evidence of the latter is the fact corporate giants such as Nike have their headquarters in the state.

Inbound: 60%

Outbound: 40%

Population: 1,896,652

Property prices are reasonable, tax policies are friendly, and employment outlook is good. And there’s more. The Gem State has some of America’s most breathtaking scenery and outdoors opportunities. It’s home to the Yellowstone National Park, Salmon River, and the Rocky Mountains’ Teton Range. What’s more, this is a state with some of the lowest crime rates in the U.S.

Inbound: 59%

Outbound: 41%

Population: 1,062,583

Although Rhode Island is America’s smallest state, its attractions are plus-size. Take the location: from Providence, you can be in downtown Boston in less than an hour, or New York City in three hours. That makes it a great place to commute from, while living somewhere a lot cheaper than the big city. And for history buffs, Rhode Island is absolutely steeped in heritage.

Inbound: 59%

Outbound: 41%

Population: 718,355

The District of Columbia, or Washington D.C. as it’s commonly known, may be small in area, but even so it’s a place with a generous supply of green spaces. There’s the National Arboretum — a must-visit for tree lovers — and the Tidal Basin, famous for its spectacular annual cherry blossom display. Other attractions include a thriving job market, including a government sector that calls 140,000 individuals employees.

Inbound: 59%

Outbound: 41%

Population: 998,619

Retirees favor Delaware partly because of its low taxation policies, both when it comes to income and property levies. But it’s also a great place for families to live with free beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature at locations like the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. And for those who enjoy the outdoor life, the climate is pleasantly temperate.

Inbound: 59%

Outbound: 41%

Population: 10,807,491

For those who enjoy the outdoor life, North Carolina has loads to offer. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and white water rafting in the state’s hills and mountains. If the seaside is more to your liking, the state has 300 miles of beaches for your pleasure. The jobs market is healthy as well, with various industries in North Carolina including aerospace.

Inbound: 58%

Outbound: 42%

Population: 1,359,677

Maine has a reputation for being a great place for families to settle. As well as plenty of good schools for the kids, there are ample leisure opportunities to keep junior entertained. Green spaces abound, and there are plenty of cultural attractions such as the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. And, importantly, Maine is a safe state with notably low levels of crime.

Inbound: 56%

Outbound: 44%

Population: 2,109,093

One factor that certainly attracts people to New Mexico is the low cost of living that the state offers, including low housing prices. Plus there are many high-tech employment openings, especially in the aerospace field, both military and civilian. Then there’s the great outdoors — the state hosts three national parks and seven national forests.

Inbound: 55%

Outbound: 45%

Population: 3,363,182

In March 2022 Utah had America’s lowest unemployment rates at two percent, so there’s a first reason why you might want to move there. And with five national parks in the state, when you’re not working leisure opportunities abound. Another definite positive in Utah is the exceptionally low crime rate — it’s a very safe place.

Inbound: 54%

Outbound: 46%

Population: 30,097,526

If you have an entrepreneurial streak, then the Lone Star State may well be the place for you. A 2021 investigation by the Wallethub website rated Texas as the best state in America to start up a new business. A thriving sports scene — everything from basketball to football and even rodeos — is another major attraction.

Inbound: 54%

Outbound: 46%

Population: 7,640,796

If you like it hot, then Arizona will appeal to you with its 320 days of sunshine in the average year. But beware, when we say hot, we mean temperatures as high as 120 °F. If you can stand the heat, Arizona has an enviable record for employment growth. It’s one of the highest rates in America! And your salary should go far since the state has a comparatively low cost of living.

Inbound: 54%

Outbound: 46%

Population: 1,378,449

New Hampshire is one of those rare places that offers hot summers on the beach and snowy winters on the ski slopes. In fact, the state is a great place for those who enjoy the wonders of nature — some 80 percent of the state is forested. On the economic front the Granite State scores high. Unemployment is low, and sales tax isn’t collected.

Inbound: 54%

Outbound: 46%

Population: 10,936,299

Georgia is a state with a rich cultural life extending from country music to the architecture of the Antebellum Period. You can enjoy all of that at the same time as benefiting from the state’s low cost of living, underpinned by reasonable real estate prices. Another major plus for those who love seaside life is Georgia’s many beaches.

Inbound: 53%

Outbound: 47%

Population: 3,042,017

When it comes to natural beauty, Arkansas snags an exceptionally high score. With thousands of miles of creeks and streams and the rugged scenery of the Ozarks, the state is a fine place for lovers of the great outdoors. Couple that with a four-season climate without notable extremes, and you have a very livable state. A low cost of living doesn’t hurt either!

Inbound: 52%

Outbound: 48%

Population: 7,887,965

If employment is a priority for you, you could do a lot worse than moving to Washington, where big names like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google all have a significant presence. It’s a state with great outdoor opportunities, from the many lakes and the long coastline, to the impressive Mount Rainier. When it comes to housing — so long as you avoid Seattle — Washington offers a wide range of reasonably priced options.

Inbound: 51%

Outbound: 49%

Population: 1,093,117

Montana is a state with plenty of wide-open spaces — it’s one of the least populated states in America. But with bustling cities like Missoula and Billings, Montana can also accommodate those that enjoy an urban lifestyle. One thing the Treasure State has aplenty is jobs, provided by the strong economic growth that Montana enjoys.

Inbound: 51%

Outbound: 49%

Population: 4,007,179

If you decide to move to Oklahoma, finding a home shouldn’t be too much of a problem. That’s because property prices there are below average for the U.S. — and that’s matched by the state’s relatively low cost of living. If you dream of running your own business, Oklahoma is a good place to be, since the state has a strong reputation for supporting and nurturing entrepreneurs.

Inbound: 50%

Outbound: 50%

Population: 4,487,233

You’ll notice this is the first of the states we’ve covered where the number of people leaving matches the number arriving. On the positive side, Oklahoma has a low cost of living and reasonable house prices. More negatively, the state has high taxation, it’s not especially known for its natural wonders, and it’s a place where harsh weather can hit hard.

Inbound: 50%

Outbound: 50%

Population: 582,233

If you like plenty of space, then Wyoming might suit you well since it has the lowest population of any state in America and no major cities. Then again, some might well see that as a disadvantage. On the plus side, Oklahoma is rightfully famed for its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor pursuits. But there’s no getting away from the fact it’s relatively remote and can experience extreme weather.

Inbound: 50%

Outbound: 50%

Population: 6,842,385

Harsh winters, not much diversity, limited cultural activities. Those are a few of the reasons that might make you move away from Indiana. But the top-class universities, low cost of living, and relatively low rates of crime might well tempt you to move there. If you do, you’ll want to have a car, since public transit there is notoriously limited.

Inbound: 50%

Outbound: 50%

Population: 5,961,083

The high costs of housing and day-to-day living might make you think twice about moving to Colorado. The weather can be a bit of a beast as well — unpredictable and at times unpleasantly severe. But good reasons to move to the state include a relatively benign tax regime and a thriving economy. Then there’s the outstanding scenery, including the splendor of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Inbound: 50%

Outbound: 50%

Population: 3,174,426

You might be attracted to Iowa by the low cost of living and the low crime rate. Real estate prices are pretty keen, too — outside of the cities a decent-sized home can be had for under $100,000. But what’s likely to put you off are the severe winters, with the temperature dipping as low as -50 °F.

Inbound: 49%

Outbound: 51%

Population: 8,638,218

This is the first state on our list where the number of leavers actually exceeds the number of arrivals. That’s despite the fact the state has a thriving economy and flourishing employment opportunities. But on the negative side of the ledger, house prices in Virginia — especially in the north — are punitively high, as are rents.

Inbound: 49%

Outbound: 51%

Population: 3,238,601

If sunshine is your thing, then moving to Nevada is a great idea — although the heat can be oppressive. And the cash tourists bring to the state means taxes for locals are low. If you like a lively nightlife, head for Las Vegas or Reno. But Nevada does suffer from worrying crime rates, and another downer is the cost of living — it’s high.

Inbound: 48%

Outbound: 52%

Population: 6,184,843

There’s a lot to like about Missouri. Positive factors include relatively modest house prices and rentals, plentiful employment opportunities, and generally low living costs. But turning to the negatives, you’ll find the state has a rather low-pay economy, there are high levels of criminality, and healthcare isn’t the best.

Inbound: 48%

Outbound: 52%

Population: 2,961,536

Gentle winters, low day-to-day living costs, and some of the best comfort food you’ll find in America all make for good reasons to move to Mississippi. But unfortunately the picture isn’t entirely rosy. The worst of it is that the economy is in the doldrums. That means unemployment exceeds the national average, while those in work tend to be paid less than in other states.

Inbound: 48%

Outbound: 52%

Population: 5,867,518

Wisconsin house prices and rental rates are lower than the average in the country, so that’s good. The cost of living is also pretty modest, and unemployment levels are low. But on the downside, Wisconsin is a high-tax state with high income, sales, and property levies. And if cold weather appalls you, you’re not going to enjoy the Wisconsin winters at all.

Inbound: 48%

Outbound: 52%

Population: 6,075,314

What makes people leave Maryland? Likely causes include high taxation, high day-to-day living costs, too much crime, and high levels of homelessness. But there are also reasons to move to Maryland. Jobs are plentiful, there’s some superb scenery, and the state has many fascinating attractions such as the Walters Art Museum and the National Aquarium.

Inbound: 48%

Outbound: 52%

Population: 774,008

North Dakota attracts newcomers because of its wide open spaces, its notably low unemployment figures, and its reasonable cost of living combined with moderate taxation. On the other side of the coin is a poor selection of cultural and entertainment options. And the winters are harsh, while the summers are plagued by vicious mosquitoes.

Inbound: 47%

Outbound: 53%

Population: 12,805,190

One thing Pennsylvania has that some people love and others hate is snow. A lot of it, as much as an annual 45 inches in some parts. History buffs, though, are well catered for in this storied state, with, for example, a plentiful supply of Revolutionary War battlefields. Less attractive are the relatively high tax rates levied on wages and services.

Inbound: 46%

Outbound: 54%

Population: 5,739,781

Employment prospects are strong in Minnesota, and the state’s minimum wage is a little higher than the federally mandated rate. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, which gives you an idea of the exceptionally good outdoor activity opportunities the state offers. Disadvantages include the very cold and lengthy winters that come around every year, plus the hordes of mosquitoes that appear in the summer.

Inbound: 45%

Outbound: 55%

Population: 2,919,179

Newcomers are drawn to Kansas by the notably low cost of living, which is underpinned by relatively modest real estate prices. If you like a rural environment, Kansas will certainly suit, since much of the land is given over to farming. On the downside, that does tend to mean the landscapes are far from dramatic.

Inbound: 44%

Outbound: 56%

Population: 1,960,790

Let’s start with the things that make people leave Nebraska. Sprawling farmland means the scenery can best be described as boringly monotonous. Outside of the principal city Omaha, entertainment options are limited. Turning to the positives, the low population density means places don’t get overcrowded — you’ll seldom get stuck in traffic. Plus, living costs are relatively low, as are house prices.

Inbound: 44%

Outbound: 56%

Population: 11,727,377

You’ll move to Ohio for the low day-to-day living costs and the relatively affordable real estate prices and rentals. The state is blessed with some exceptional scenery, making it a great place for those that love outdoor activities. You’ll maybe want to leave Ohio because of the bitter winters and the blisteringly hot summers.

Inbound: 44%

Outbound: 56%

Population: 4,616,106

The low cost of living in Louisiana is negatively counterbalanced by the lack of employment opportunities in the state. But there are plenty of positives — obviously including the delights of New Orleans and its thriving music and party scene. Then there’s that delicious Cajun cuisine. Beignets with your coffee every morning!

Inbound: 42%

Outbound: 58%

Population: 6,922,107

Massachusetts is a state where the cost of living is higher than the U.S. average and that may well explain why so many people are moving away. The severe winter weather probably doesn’t help, either. But it’s a state with plenty of gorgeous scenery and a second positive is the state’s economic health, which means there are plenty of job openings.

Inbound: 42%

Outbound: 58%

Population: 9,995,212

After hard times resulting from the 2008 economic crash, Michigan’s economy recovered — but unemployment levels are still notably higher than the national average. On the positive side, real estate is relatively cheap — both in terms of purchase and rental — and the cost of living is quite low. Michigan is also blessed with beautiful scenery at locations such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan.

Inbound: 41%

Outbound: 59%

Population: 39,664,128

Perhaps the main reason people are leaving what is still easily the nation’s most populous state is summed up in one word: tax. Compared to many other Americans, Californians pay high taxes. And that’s coupled with a high cost of living. But the state has much to offer in terms of natural beauty, and there’s a healthy economy with plenty of jobs offering good salary rates.

Inbound: 40%

Outbound: 60%

Population: 3,546,588

It seems the gorgeous fall leaf displays and the sheer natural beauty of Connecticut aren’t enough to stop many people from deserting the state. Reasons that are likely to make people leave include tax rates that are high by national standards, not to mention a cost of living that verges on the punitive. Another negative factor is shrinking employment opportunities.

Inbound: 37%

Outbound: 63%

Population: 19,223,191

People are turning their backs on New York State in high numbers. Why? Well, let’s start with the high taxes on income, sales, and property, which are some of the most burdensome in the U.S. And that applies to both New York City and Upstate New York. Of course there are still reasons to move there. By common consent, the Big Apple is one of the most exciting cities on the planet. And Upstate offers plenty of gorgeous scenery.

Inbound: 33%

Outbound: 67%

Population: 12,518,071

Illinois is another state where high tax levels may explain why so many people decide to move away. The extremely cold winters are likely to be another deciding factor. But the state also has its obvious attractions. There’s Chicago for a start, one of America’s liveliest cities. And there’s a healthy economy, with plenty of employment opportunities.

Inbound: 30%

Outbound: 70%

Population: 8,870,685

New Jersey is in the unenviable position of seeing a higher proportion of people deserting the state than any other in the Union. One explanation for this almost certainly lies in the high tax burden faced by residents. An above average cost of living can’t help either. But New Jersey does have a thriving cultural and entertainment sector, ranging from art galleries to casinos.