Americans are more likely to move to a new state than they have been in years. According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 8.2 million people moved between states in 2022, more than in any year in over a decade.
While reasons for moving vary from person to person, historically high rates of interstate mobility may be tied to recent changes in the labor market — specifically, the sweeping adoption of remote work policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Census data shows that more than 24 million Americans worked from home in 2022, compared to fewer than 9 million in 2019, the year before the pandemic.
Without needing to be within commuting distance of their office, larger shares of the population are free to choose a place to live based on other factors, including housing, climate, cost of living, and family. Whatever the explanations may be, census data shows that some states are far more popular destinations than others — and California is drawing in more new residents from other parts of the country than nearly every other state.
An estimated 475,800 Americans relocated to California in 2022, the third most of any state, trailing only Florida and Texas. Inbound moves to California originated from each of the 49 other states, as well as Washington, D.C. in 2022.
The number of Americans who moved to California in 2022 ranges from about 40 to more than 42,000, depending on the state. Not surprisingly, the states reporting the largest outflow of residents to California include many of the most populous states in the country, as well as several states that share a border with California.
These are the states the most Americans are leaving for California.
50. West Virginia: 42 people
Source: ScottNodine / iStock via Getty Images
- People from West Virginia who moved to California in 2022: 42 (0.0% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of West Virginia in 2022: 40,535 — 10th fewest of 50 states (0.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,775,156 (12th smallest of 50 states)
49. North Dakota: 291 people
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
- People from North Dakota who moved to California in 2022: 291 (0.1% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of North Dakota in 2022: 28,359 — 3rd fewest of 50 states (1.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 779,261 (4th smallest of 50 states)
48. South Dakota: 572 people
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
- People from South Dakota who moved to California in 2022: 572 (0.1% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of South Dakota in 2022: 28,803 — 4th fewest of 50 states (2.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 909,824 (5th smallest of 50 states)
47. New Hampshire: 624 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- People from New Hampshire who moved to California in 2022: 624 (0.1% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of New Hampshire in 2022: 46,866 — 11th fewest of 50 states (1.3% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,395,231 (10th smallest of 50 states)
46. Mississippi: 880 people
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Mississippi who moved to California in 2022: 880 (0.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Mississippi in 2022: 59,596 — 14th fewest of 50 states (1.5% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 2,940,057 (17th smallest of 50 states)
45. Maine: 939 people
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Maine who moved to California in 2022: 939 (0.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Maine in 2022: 34,659 — 7th fewest of 50 states (2.7% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,385,340 (9th smallest of 50 states)
44. Arkansas: 963 people
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Arkansas who moved to California in 2022: 963 (0.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Arkansas in 2022: 74,408 — 18th fewest of 50 states (1.3% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 3,045,637 (18th smallest of 50 states)
43. Wyoming: 1,083 people
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
- People from Wyoming who moved to California in 2022: 1,083 (0.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Wyoming in 2022: 27,005 — 2nd fewest of 50 states (4.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 581,381 (the smallest of 50 states)
42. Vermont: 1,206 people
Source: AlbertPego / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- People from Vermont who moved to California in 2022: 1,206 (0.3% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Vermont in 2022: 23,170 — the fewest of 50 states (5.2% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 647,064 (2nd smallest of 50 states)
41. Rhode Island: 1,755 people
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Rhode Island who moved to California in 2022: 1,755 (0.4% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Rhode Island in 2022: 39,156 — 9th fewest of 50 states (4.5% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,093,734 (7th smallest of 50 states)
40. Delaware: 1,818 people
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Delaware who moved to California in 2022: 1,818 (0.4% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Delaware in 2022: 33,691 — 6th fewest of 50 states (5.4% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,018,396 (6th smallest of 50 states)
39. Alaska: 2,040 people
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Alaska who moved to California in 2022: 2,040 (0.4% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Alaska in 2022: 32,755 — 5th fewest of 50 states (6.2% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 733,583 (3rd smallest of 50 states)
38. Iowa: 2,187 people
Source: JoeChristensen / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- People from Iowa who moved to California in 2022: 2,187 (0.5% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Iowa in 2022: 70,359 — 16th fewest of 50 states (3.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 3,200,517 (20th smallest of 50 states)
37. Montana: 2,432 people
Source: Jon Bilous / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Montana who moved to California in 2022: 2,432 (0.5% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Montana in 2022: 38,483 — 8th fewest of 50 states (6.3% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,122,867 (8th smallest of 50 states)
36. Oklahoma: 2,576 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Oklahoma who moved to California in 2022: 2,576 (0.5% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Oklahoma in 2022: 85,782 — 20th fewest of 50 states (3.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 4,019,800 (23rd smallest of 50 states)
35. New Mexico: 2,585 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- People from New Mexico who moved to California in 2022: 2,585 (0.5% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of New Mexico in 2022: 58,443 — 13th fewest of 50 states (4.4% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 2,113,344 (15th smallest of 50 states)
34. Nebraska: 3,047 people
Source: Lorraine Boogich / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- People from Nebraska who moved to California in 2022: 3,047 (0.6% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Nebraska in 2022: 49,472 — 12th fewest of 50 states (6.2% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,967,923 (14th smallest of 50 states)
33. Kansas: 3,387 people
Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Kansas who moved to California in 2022: 3,387 (0.7% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Kansas in 2022: 84,558 — 19th fewest of 50 states (4.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 2,937,150 (16th smallest of 50 states)
32. Kentucky: 3,471 people
Source: kenlund / Flickr
- People from Kentucky who moved to California in 2022: 3,471 (0.7% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Kentucky in 2022: 88,556 — 21st fewest of 50 states (3.9% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 4,512,310 (25th smallest of 50 states)
31. Louisiana: 3,954 people
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Louisiana who moved to California in 2022: 3,954 (0.8% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Louisiana in 2022: 105,897 — 24th fewest of 50 states (3.7% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 4,590,241 (25th largest of 50 states)
30. Wisconsin: 4,407 people
Source: marchello74 / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Wisconsin who moved to California in 2022: 4,407 (0.9% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Wisconsin in 2022: 121,329 — 24th most of 50 states (3.6% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 5,892,539 (20th largest of 50 states)
29. District of Columbia : 4,443 people
Source: Matt Anderson / iStock via Getty Images
- People from District of Columbia who moved to California in 2022: 4,443 (0.9% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of District of Columbia in 2022: 67,904 — (6.5% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 671,803
28. Connecticut: 4,977 people
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
- People from Connecticut who moved to California in 2022: 4,977 (1.0% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Connecticut in 2022: 88,733 — 22nd fewest of 50 states (5.6% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 3,626,205 (22nd smallest of 50 states)
27. Minnesota: 5,143 people
Source: jimkruger / E+ via Getty Images
- People from Minnesota who moved to California in 2022: 5,143 (1.1% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Minnesota in 2022: 130,807 — 23rd most of 50 states (3.9% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 5,717,184 (22nd largest of 50 states)
26. Alabama: 5,204 people
Source: formulanone / Flickr
- People from Alabama who moved to California in 2022: 5,204 (1.1% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Alabama in 2022: 102,894 — 23rd fewest of 50 states (5.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 5,074,296 (24th largest of 50 states)
25. Indiana: 5,422 people
Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Indiana who moved to California in 2022: 5,422 (1.1% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Indiana in 2022: 137,624 — 22nd most of 50 states (3.9% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 6,833,037 (17th largest of 50 states)
24. Tennessee: 5,498 people
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Tennessee who moved to California in 2022: 5,498 (1.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Tennessee in 2022: 182,669 — 17th most of 50 states (3.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 7,051,339 (15th largest of 50 states)
23. Idaho: 5,567 people
Source: vkbhat / E+ via Getty Images
- People from Idaho who moved to California in 2022: 5,567 (1.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Idaho in 2022: 70,542 — 17th fewest of 50 states (7.9% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,939,033 (13th smallest of 50 states)
22. South Carolina: 5,581 people
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
- People from South Carolina who moved to California in 2022: 5,581 (1.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of South Carolina in 2022: 154,398 — 21st most of 50 states (3.6% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 5,282,634 (23rd largest of 50 states)
21. Missouri: 6,369 people
Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Missouri who moved to California in 2022: 6,369 (1.3% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Missouri in 2022: 156,845 — 20th most of 50 states (4.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 6,177,957 (18th largest of 50 states)
20. Maryland: 7,903 people
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Maryland who moved to California in 2022: 7,903 (1.7% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Maryland in 2022: 205,406 — 14th most of 50 states (3.8% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 6,164,660 (19th largest of 50 states)
19. Ohio: 10,031 people
Source: dougtone / Flickr
- People from Ohio who moved to California in 2022: 10,031 (2.1% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Ohio in 2022: 196,766 — 16th most of 50 states (5.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 11,756,058 (7th largest of 50 states)
18. Hawaii: 10,747 people
Source: okimo / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Hawaii who moved to California in 2022: 10,747 (2.3% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Hawaii in 2022: 67,257 — 15th fewest of 50 states (16.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 1,440,196 (11th smallest of 50 states)
17. Georgia: 11,002 people
Source: kenlund / Flickr
- People from Georgia who moved to California in 2022: 11,002 (2.3% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Georgia in 2022: 253,275 — 11th most of 50 states (4.3% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 10,912,876 (8th largest of 50 states)
16. Michigan: 11,714 people
Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
- People from Michigan who moved to California in 2022: 11,714 (2.5% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Michigan in 2022: 167,885 — 18th most of 50 states (7.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 10,034,118 (10th largest of 50 states)
15. Utah: 13,149 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Utah who moved to California in 2022: 13,149 (2.8% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Utah in 2022: 109,290 — 25th fewest of 50 states (12.0% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 3,380,800 (21st smallest of 50 states)
14. New Jersey: 13,162 people
Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
- People from New Jersey who moved to California in 2022: 13,162 (2.8% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of New Jersey in 2022: 267,106 — 8th most of 50 states (4.9% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 9,261,699 (11th largest of 50 states)
13. North Carolina: 13,302 people
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
- People from North Carolina who moved to California in 2022: 13,302 (2.8% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of North Carolina in 2022: 259,422 — 9th most of 50 states (5.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 10,698,973 (9th largest of 50 states)
12. Pennsylvania: 13,544 people
Source: kimon / Flickr
- People from Pennsylvania who moved to California in 2022: 13,544 (2.8% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Pennsylvania in 2022: 278,699 — 7th most of 50 states (4.9% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 12,972,008 (5th largest of 50 states)
11. Virginia: 15,373 people
Source: ferrantraite / E+ via Getty Images
- People from Virginia who moved to California in 2022: 15,373 (3.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Virginia in 2022: 282,050 — 6th most of 50 states (5.5% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 8,683,619 (12th largest of 50 states)
10. Massachusetts: 15,540 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Massachusetts who moved to California in 2022: 15,540 (3.3% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Massachusetts in 2022: 214,644 — 13th most of 50 states (7.2% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 6,981,974 (16th largest of 50 states)
9. Colorado: 19,970 people
Source: pawel.gaul / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Colorado who moved to California in 2022: 19,970 (4.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Colorado in 2022: 239,200 — 12th most of 50 states (8.3% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 5,839,926 (21st largest of 50 states)
8. Nevada: 22,183 people
Source: kenlund / Flickr
- People from Nevada who moved to California in 2022: 22,183 (4.7% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Nevada in 2022: 114,131 — 25th most of 50 states (19.4% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 3,177,772 (19th smallest of 50 states)
7. Oregon: 23,792 people
Source: AnSyvanych / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Oregon who moved to California in 2022: 23,792 (5.0% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Oregon in 2022: 157,729 — 19th most of 50 states (15.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 4,240,137 (24th smallest of 50 states)
6. Illinois: 24,559 people
Source: franckreporter / E+ via Getty Images
- People from Illinois who moved to California in 2022: 24,559 (5.2% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Illinois in 2022: 344,027 — 5th most of 50 states (7.1% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 12,582,032 (6th largest of 50 states)
5. Arizona: 27,412 people
Source: dougtone / Flickr
- People from Arizona who moved to California in 2022: 27,412 (5.8% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Arizona in 2022: 204,734 — 15th most of 50 states (13.4% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 7,359,197 (14th largest of 50 states)
4. Florida: 28,557 people
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Florida who moved to California in 2022: 28,557 (6.0% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Florida in 2022: 489,905 — 4th most of 50 states (5.8% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 22,244,823 (3rd largest of 50 states)
3. New York: 31,255 people
Source: StockByM / iStock via Getty Images
- People from New York who moved to California in 2022: 31,255 (6.6% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of New York in 2022: 545,598 — 2nd most of 50 states (5.7% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 19,677,151 (4th largest of 50 states)
2. Washington: 31,866 people
Source: kenlund / Flickr
- People from Washington who moved to California in 2022: 31,866 (6.7% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Washington in 2022: 257,785 — 10th most of 50 states (12.4% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 7,785,786 (13th largest of 50 states)
1. Texas: 42,279 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
- People from Texas who moved to California in 2022: 42,279 (8.9% of Americans who moved to California)
- Total num. of Americans who moved out of Texas in 2022: 494,077 — 3rd most of 50 states (8.6% moved to California)
- Total population in 2022: 30,029,572 (2nd largest of 50 states)
| Rank | Geography | Residents who moved to California in 2022 | Pct. all inbound moves to California |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | West Virginia | 42 | 0.01 |
| 49 | North Dakota | 291 | 0.06 |
| 48 | South Dakota | 572 | 0.12 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | 624 | 0.13 |
| 46 | Mississippi | 880 | 0.18 |
| 45 | Maine | 939 | 0.20 |
| 44 | Arkansas | 963 | 0.20 |
| 43 | Wyoming | 1,083 | 0.23 |
| 42 | Vermont | 1,206 | 0.25 |
| 41 | Rhode Island | 1,755 | 0.37 |
| 40 | Delaware | 1,818 | 0.38 |
| 39 | Alaska | 2,040 | 0.43 |
| 38 | Iowa | 2,187 | 0.46 |
| 37 | Montana | 2,432 | 0.51 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | 2,576 | 0.54 |
| 35 | New Mexico | 2,585 | 0.54 |
| 34 | Nebraska | 3,047 | 0.64 |
| 33 | Kansas | 3,387 | 0.71 |
| 32 | Kentucky | 3,471 | 0.73 |
| 31 | Louisiana | 3,954 | 0.83 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | 4,407 | 0.93 |
| 29 | District of Columbia | 4,443 | 0.93 |
| 28 | Connecticut | 4,977 | 1.05 |
| 27 | Minnesota | 5,143 | 1.08 |
| 26 | Alabama | 5,204 | 1.09 |
| 25 | Indiana | 5,422 | 1.14 |
| 24 | Tennessee | 5,498 | 1.16 |
| 23 | Idaho | 5,567 | 1.17 |
| 22 | South Carolina | 5,581 | 1.17 |
| 21 | Missouri | 6,369 | 1.34 |
| 20 | Maryland | 7,903 | 1.66 |
| 19 | Ohio | 10,031 | 2.11 |
| 18 | Hawaii | 10,747 | 2.26 |
| 17 | Georgia | 11,002 | 2.31 |
| 16 | Michigan | 11,714 | 2.46 |
| 15 | Utah | 13,149 | 2.76 |
| 14 | New Jersey | 13,162 | 2.77 |
| 13 | North Carolina | 13,302 | 2.80 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 13,544 | 2.85 |
| 11 | Virginia | 15,373 | 3.23 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 15,540 | 3.27 |
| 9 | Colorado | 19,970 | 4.20 |
| 8 | Nevada | 22,183 | 4.66 |
| 7 | Oregon | 23,792 | 5.00 |
| 6 | Illinois | 24,559 | 5.16 |
| 5 | Arizona | 27,412 | 5.76 |
| 4 | Florida | 28,557 | 6.00 |
| 3 | New York | 31,255 | 6.57 |
| 2 | Washington | 31,866 | 6.70 |
| 1 | Texas | 42,279 | 8.89 |
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