In brief
A recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that Texas is the leading state for new residents migrating to other states, while also experiencing substantial population growth itself. From 2020 to 2024, Texas added 2.1 million people, with notable outbound migration to states like Alaska, Arkansas, and California. Similarly, Florida saw a significant influx to the Southeast and Midwest, gaining 1.8 million residents this decade.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Texas is not only experiencing significant population growth this decade but also serves as the top source of new residents for several other states, according to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Texas ranks first in supplying new residents to Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, as stated in the 2024 state-to-state migration flows report. With a population of 31 million, Texas has gained 2.1 million residents between 2020 and 2024.
Dudley Poston, a professor emeritus at Texas A&M University, highlighted the phenomenon, indicating that the vast size of Texas contributes to its out-migration. 'There’s got to be more people leaving Texas than leaving other states due to its large population,' he explained.
Other populous states such as California, Florida, and New York also showed significant migration patterns. California, for instance, was the primary provider of new residents to Western states like Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oregon. It also led in domestic migration to Tennessee, largely influenced by Nashville's entertainment sector.
While Florida emerges as the third most populous state with 23 million residents, its influence on migration trends has been notable in the Southeast, bringing many newcomers to Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, as well as Ohio. Over this decade, Florida added 1.8 million residents.
Experts attribute Florida’s appeal to factors beyond its size, with escalating real estate costs and job opportunities drawing in residents. Richard Doty, a research demographer at the University of Florida, noted the changing landscape of housing affordability and employment prospects for graduates in urban hubs such as Atlanta and Charlotte.
The migration patterns seen are reflective of broader trends observed historically, where states with substantial populations like Texas, Florida, California, and New York have concurrent out-migration rates.
New York has also been a notable contributor, sending residents to Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, while Illinois led the way for neighboring Midwestern states. Some migration trends confirm expectations; former residents of states like Massachusetts and Wisconsin constitute the largest groups moving to Maine and Minnesota, respectively.
In addition to domestic movements, the Census Bureau will continue to track new populations and releases more estimates next week, highlighting how the U.S. demographic landscape continues to evolve.
