More People Are Moving Out of California Than in — 10 Places They’re Going
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Laura Bogart
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California saw a major population shift between 2021 and 2022, according to a recent SmartAsset study. A little over 399,000 residents left the state, while almost 255,000 new residents arrived, resulting in a net loss of 143,554 households.
High costs of living, taxes and competitive housing markets are some of the reasons behind this exodus. Here are the 10 states where Californians are choosing to move.
Texas
- 54,136 households left California for Texas
- 106,882 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $145,960
Texas is the most popular destination for Californians. Homes are cheaper in the Lone Star State than they are in California. Additionally, Texas has no state income tax.
Arizona
- 32,864 households left California for Arizona
- 57,857 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $100,399
Arizona offers a lower cost of living, including housing, which appeals to less-affluent Californians looking for a more affordable lifestyle.
Nevada
- 30,571 households left California for Nevada
- 52,332 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $134,796
Nevada is the third-most popular destination for people leaving California. Although Nevada is facing a lack of affordable housing, wealthier Californians probably won’t have an issue finding what they want. Additionally, the lack of state income tax is likely a major draw.
Washington
- 27,550 households left California for Washington
- 44,160 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $139,927
For some Californians, Washington’s lack of state income tax and cheaper housing are two good reasons to leave even though the weather is cloudier in the Evergreen State.
Florida
- 24,011 households left California for Florida
- 42,412 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $187,025
Florida is a popular choice for wealthier Californians leaving the state. Although states have their similarities when it comes to weather, the price of housing is much cheaper in Florida and there’s no state income tax.
New York
- 19,656 households left California for New York
- 25,453 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $170,781
Migration between California and New York is almost balanced as far as the amount of individuals moving in and out: 19,708 versus 19,656. Additionally, it seems to be wealthier households making the move on both fronts.
Oregon
- 19,288 households left California for Oregon
- 30,421 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $104,753
Most likely, Oregon’s proximity to California and relatively lower housing costs attract middle-income households seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
Colorado
- 15,585 households left California for Colorado
- 24,864 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $129,118
Colorado draws people from the Golden State who are looking for a lower cost of living with the added bonus of world-class winter sports.
Tennessee
- 13,086 households left California for Tennessee
- 27,295 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $144,543
Tennessee’s lower cost of living and lack of state income tax make it an attractive option for Californians looking to reduce their expenses.
North Carolina
- 11,482 households left California for North Carolina
- 21,983 individuals departed
- Average AGI per household: $113,972
Californians are moving to North Carolina for its affordable housing and expanding job markets, particularly in higher-paying areas like tech, finance and healthcare.
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