Mapped: Net Migration Between States in 2023

Net Migration Between U.S. States 2023

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Every year, millions of Americans make the big decision to move, seeking better jobs, lower living costs, or a fresh start in a new state. These moves highlight shifting population trends, showing which states are attracting new residents and which are seeing people leave.

In this map, we visualize net migration figures for each U.S. state and Puerto Rico in 2023. Net migration refers to the difference between people moving into and out of each state from other states and Puerto Rico. Figures do not include those moving to or from other countries.

State-by-state migration flow data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau and is updated as of August 2024. Only residents one years and older were included.

Net migration figures as a percentage of each state’s 2023 population can be found in the full dataset.

Which State Gained the Most Residents?

Below, we show the net migration figures for each U.S. state and Puerto Rico.

Net Migration is Bigger in Texas

Texas gained the most residents in 2023 with a net migration of 131,120, likely due to its strong economic opportunities, relatively lower cost of living, and favorable tax policies.

The state has no personal income tax, which makes it attractive to individuals and businesses alike, particularly those leaving high-tax states like California and New York.

Texas also offers a growing job market, especially in industries like energy and technology, drawing people seeking employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Californians Dreaming of Elsewhere?

On the other end, California experienced the largest net migration loss in 2023, with a net decrease of 268,427 residents.

California also ranked first as the state that most residents moved away from, with over 690,000 Californians leaving for other states.

The Golden State has been seeing worsening domestic population drain in recent years due to factors like high cost of living and competitive job markets.

That said, in percentage terms, it was actually the District of Columbia that saw the largest decrease of its population, with a net migration loss of 1.14%, or 7,707 residents.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

To learn more about domestic migration trends in the U.S., check out this graphic that shows which states Americans moved to the most.