“States people are leaving” is challenging to interpret because departure counts, net domestic migration, and total population change answer different questions. A state can lose residents to other states and still grow through births or international migration, so the headline must not be read as a complete judgment about the state.
This guide will help you read the latest official migration figures, identify the largest outbound balances, avoid unsupported explanations, and plan the practical cost and timing of a move from a high-outflow state.
The states with the largest net domestic migration losses
California recorded the largest net domestic migration loss from July 2024 through June 2025, followed by New York. Net domestic migration subtracts arrivals from other U.S. states from departures to other U.S. states; it is not the total number who moved away.
| Rank | State | Net domestic migration | Rate per 1,000 | Total population change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | −229,100 | −5.8 | About 0.0% |
| 2 | New York | −137,600 | −6.9 | About 0.0% |
| 3 | Illinois | −40,000 | −3.1 | +0.1% |
| 4 | New Jersey | −37,400 | −3.9 | +0.4% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | −33,300 | −4.7 | +0.2% |
| 6 | Louisiana | −14,400 | −3.1 | +0.1% |
| 7 | Maryland | −12,100 | −1.9 | +0.3% |
| 8 | Colorado | −12,100 | −2.0 | +0.4% |
| 9 | Hawaii | −8,900 | −6.2 | −0.1% |
| 10 | Connecticut | −5,900 | −1.6 | +0.4% |
Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred. The rate helps compare states of different sizes, while the count shows the scale of the net movement.
Net loss is smaller than total departures
If 500,000 residents leave and 350,000 arrive, the net loss is 150,000. The table reports the balance, not the 500,000 departures. Use Census state-to-state flow data when the question is how many people moved from one named state to another.
The distinction matters for moving capacity. A state with a negative balance still receives many inbound households and supports busy two-way routes. Movers price the exact direction, dates, shipment, and addresses—not the state’s net figure.
Total population can still grow
Several states in the table gained population overall because births and international migration can offset domestic outflow. The Census Bureau’s 2025 estimates explain how these components work together.
For a relocation decision, compare the local city and county rather than treating the state as uniform. Job markets, housing, taxes, services, climate, and family connections vary widely within California, New York, Illinois, and every other state listed.
The data does not prove why people moved
Housing, jobs, education, retirement, family, health, military orders, climate, taxes, and personal preference can all contribute. Population estimates do not assign one motive to every mover. A correlation between outflow and a state characteristic is not proof that the characteristic caused the moves.
Use Moveline’s state comparison to compare household expenses and the moving-industry statistics guide for the national picture.
Plan early when moving from a busy origin
Large outbound markets can have heavy seasonal demand. Request prices for two or three workable dates with the same inventory and service. Ask about pickup windows, delivery spreads, storage, cancellation, and what happens if the actual carrier changes.
Dense origins may require parking permits, reserved loading space, certificates of insurance, elevator bookings, or shuttle service. Traffic and city loading hours can affect labor and timing before the truck reaches the highway. Give these details to every bidder.
Verify an interstate mover before paying
Interstate household-goods movers and brokers must be registered with FMCSA. Search the exact legal name and USDOT number, identify whether the company is a carrier or broker, review complaint history and insurance information, and confirm the actual carrier expected to transport the shipment.
Compare recent, location-specific patterns on Google Business Profiles and established review platforms, but do not rely on one score. Moveline’s questions for movers covers licensing, estimates, valuation, reviews, and delivery.
How this 2026 edition was prepared
The table uses the Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 state population estimates covering July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The 2026 label is the publication edition, not a prediction of moves during calendar 2026.
Moveline rounds the official values for readability and keeps counts, rates, and total population change separate. Recheck the Census release before quoting the ranking after a new vintage becomes available.
