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The United States has gained about 8.5 million people since 2020, according to the Census Bureau. But that growth has been far from even. Some states have seen rapid population increases, while others are experiencing declines.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at where people are moving, which states are seeing the most dramatic shifts, and what’s driving these trends.
Where Is the Population Growing the Most?
Florida and Idaho Lead the Way
Florida and Idaho are tied for the highest percentage growth in population since 2020, both increasing by 8.2%. Florida’s gain of nearly 1.8 million new residents is the largest in sheer numbers, while Idaho’s growth—though smaller in total—reflects its rising popularity as a destination for those seeking a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life.
Florida’s appeal is no mystery: warm weather, no state income tax, and relatively affordable housing compared to other high-growth states like California and New York. Many retirees continue to flock to the Sunshine State, but younger remote workers are also making their way south.
Texas: The Big Winner in Total Population Growth
While Florida saw the highest percentage growth, Texas added the most residents overall, with over 2 million new Texans since 2020. Businesses moving to Texas, coupled with the state’s relatively affordable housing and no state income tax, have made it a magnet for new residents. Major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston continue to attract workers from high-cost states.
Other high-growth states include South Carolina (+6.8%), Utah (+6.7%), and North Carolina (+5.7%), all of which benefit from relatively lower costs of living and strong job markets.
Where Is the Population Shrinking?
While most states gained residents, some saw declines. Seven states, plus Puerto Rico, lost population since 2020.
California, New York, and Illinois See Significant Losses
California’s population has shrunk by about 90,000 people, continuing a trend that began before the pandemic. High living costs, housing shortages, and remote work opportunities have driven many residents to lower-cost states like Texas, Arizona, and Nevada.
New York has seen an even steeper decline, losing nearly 238,000 residents. The high cost of living, coupled with shifting work-from-home trends, has led many New Yorkers to seek more affordable alternatives in states like Florida and North Carolina.
Illinois also experienced a significant population drop, losing nearly 89,000 people. Like New York and California, Illinois struggles with high taxes and an expensive cost of living, pushing residents to neighboring states with lower costs.
Louisiana and Mississippi Are Also Losing People
Unlike the high-cost states mentioned above, Louisiana and Mississippi have also seen population declines. These states face economic challenges, lower wages, and hurricane risks that contribute to outmigration. Louisiana’s population shrank by about 54,000, while Mississippi lost around 15,000 residents.
Puerto Rico continues to experience population decline, losing about 78,000 residents. Many Puerto Ricans have moved to the U.S. mainland, particularly Florida, in search of better job opportunities.
What’s Driving These Population Shifts?
Several key factors influence these trends:
Housing affordability – States with lower housing costs, like Texas and the Carolinas, are attracting new residents, while expensive states like California and New York are losing people.
Job markets and business climate – Business-friendly states such as Texas and Florida continue to draw companies and workers alike.
Taxes – States with no state income tax (Florida, Texas, Tennessee) have an edge in attracting new residents.
Remote work – The rise of remote work has allowed more people to leave high-cost urban centers in favor of suburban and rural areas.
Retirement trends – Florida remains a top choice for retirees seeking warmer weather and tax advantages.
Are these trends surprising to you? Have you or someone you know moved to a new state recently? Let us know in the comments below!
