Special Report

Americans are Flocking to Tennessee From These States

Sam Stebbins / 24/7 Wall St.

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 Tennessee is drawing in more new residents from other parts of the country than most other states.

An estimated 226,000 Americans relocated to Tennessee in 2022, the 13th most of any state. Inbound moves to Tennessee originated from every state and Washington, D.C in 2022, with the exception of Maine.

The number of Americans who moved to Tennessee in 2022 ranges from about 90 to more than 25,300, depending on the state. Not surprisingly, the states reporting the largest outflow of residents to Tennessee include many of the most populous states in the country, as well as some states that share a border with Tennessee.

These are the states the most Americans are leaving for Tennessee.

50. Maine: 0 people

Maine | Augusta, Maine, USA
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Maine who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 0
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Maine in 2022: 34,659 — 7th fewest of 50 states (0.0% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,385,340 (9th smallest of 50 states)

49. North Dakota: 94 people

Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from North Dakota who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 94 (0.0% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of North Dakota in 2022: 28,359 — 3rd fewest of 50 states (0.3% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 779,261 (4th smallest of 50 states)

48. Delaware: 114 people

Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Delaware who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 114 (0.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Delaware in 2022: 33,691 — 6th fewest of 50 states (0.3% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,018,396 (6th smallest of 50 states)

47. New Mexico: 146 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from New Mexico who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 146 (0.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of New Mexico in 2022: 58,443 — 13th fewest of 50 states (0.2% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 2,113,344 (15th smallest of 50 states)

46. Vermont: 184 people

Source: AlbertPego / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
  • People from Vermont who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 184 (0.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Vermont in 2022: 23,170 — the fewest of 50 states (0.8% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 647,064 (2nd smallest of 50 states)

45. Wyoming: 325 people

Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from Wyoming who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 325 (0.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Wyoming in 2022: 27,005 — 2nd fewest of 50 states (1.2% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 581,381 (the smallest of 50 states)

44. Iowa: 332 people

Source: pabradyphoto / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Iowa who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 332 (0.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Iowa in 2022: 70,359 — 16th fewest of 50 states (0.5% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 3,200,517 (20th smallest of 50 states)

43. District of Columbia: 391 people

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from District of Columbia who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 391 (0.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of District of Columbia in 2022: 67,904 — (0.6% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 671,803

42. Hawaii: 430 people

Source: okimo / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Hawaii who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 430 (0.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Hawaii in 2022: 67,257 — 15th fewest of 50 states (0.6% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,440,196 (11th smallest of 50 states)

41. West Virginia: 486 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from West Virginia who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 486 (0.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of West Virginia in 2022: 40,535 — 10th fewest of 50 states (1.2% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,775,156 (12th smallest of 50 states)

40. New Hampshire: 528 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from New Hampshire who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 528 (0.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of New Hampshire in 2022: 46,866 — 11th fewest of 50 states (1.1% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,395,231 (10th smallest of 50 states)

39. Montana: 556 people

Source: Jon Bilous / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Montana who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 556 (0.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Montana in 2022: 38,483 — 8th fewest of 50 states (1.4% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,122,867 (8th smallest of 50 states)

38. South Dakota: 592 people

Source: Jacob Boomsma / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from South Dakota who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 592 (0.3% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of South Dakota in 2022: 28,803 — 4th fewest of 50 states (2.1% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 909,824 (5th smallest of 50 states)

37. Rhode Island: 688 people

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Rhode Island who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 688 (0.3% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Rhode Island in 2022: 39,156 — 9th fewest of 50 states (1.8% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,093,734 (7th smallest of 50 states)

36. Kansas: 744 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Kansas who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 744 (0.3% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Kansas in 2022: 84,558 — 19th fewest of 50 states (0.9% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 2,937,150 (16th smallest of 50 states)

35. Connecticut: 936 people

Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from Connecticut who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 936 (0.4% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Connecticut in 2022: 88,733 — 22nd fewest of 50 states (1.1% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 3,626,205 (22nd smallest of 50 states)

34. Nebraska: 981 people

Source: Lorraine Boogich / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
  • People from Nebraska who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 981 (0.4% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Nebraska in 2022: 49,472 — 12th fewest of 50 states (2.0% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,967,923 (14th smallest of 50 states)

33. Alaska: 1,025 people

Source: filo / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from Alaska who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 1,025 (0.5% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Alaska in 2022: 32,755 — 5th fewest of 50 states (3.1% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 733,583 (3rd smallest of 50 states)

32. Nevada: 1,034 people

Source: kenlund / Flickr
  • People from Nevada who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 1,034 (0.5% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Nevada in 2022: 114,131 — 25th most of 50 states (0.9% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 3,177,772 (19th smallest of 50 states)

31. Idaho: 1,332 people

Source: vkbhat / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from Idaho who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 1,332 (0.6% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Idaho in 2022: 70,542 — 17th fewest of 50 states (1.9% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 1,939,033 (13th smallest of 50 states)

30. Oklahoma: 1,548 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Oklahoma who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 1,548 (0.7% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Oklahoma in 2022: 85,782 — 20th fewest of 50 states (1.8% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 4,019,800 (23rd smallest of 50 states)

29. Minnesota: 1,809 people

Source: RudyBalasko / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Minnesota who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 1,809 (0.8% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Minnesota in 2022: 130,807 — 23rd most of 50 states (1.4% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 5,717,184 (22nd largest of 50 states)

28. Oregon: 2,016 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Oregon who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 2,016 (0.9% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Oregon in 2022: 157,729 — 19th most of 50 states (1.3% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 4,240,137 (24th smallest of 50 states)

27. Massachusetts: 2,424 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Massachusetts who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 2,424 (1.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Massachusetts in 2022: 214,644 — 13th most of 50 states (1.1% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 6,981,974 (16th largest of 50 states)

26. Utah: 2,567 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Utah who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 2,567 (1.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Utah in 2022: 109,290 — 25th fewest of 50 states (2.3% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 3,380,800 (21st smallest of 50 states)

25. Maryland: 2,635 people

Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Maryland who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 2,635 (1.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Maryland in 2022: 205,406 — 14th most of 50 states (1.3% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 6,164,660 (19th largest of 50 states)

24. Missouri: 3,102 people

Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Missouri who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 3,102 (1.4% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Missouri in 2022: 156,845 — 20th most of 50 states (2.0% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 6,177,957 (18th largest of 50 states)

23. Wisconsin: 3,494 people

Source: marchello74 / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Wisconsin who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 3,494 (1.5% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Wisconsin in 2022: 121,329 — 24th most of 50 states (2.9% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 5,892,539 (20th largest of 50 states)

22. New Jersey: 3,517 people

Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from New Jersey who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 3,517 (1.6% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of New Jersey in 2022: 267,106 — 8th most of 50 states (1.3% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 9,261,699 (11th largest of 50 states)

21. Indiana: 4,067 people

Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Indiana who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 4,067 (1.8% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Indiana in 2022: 137,624 — 22nd most of 50 states (3.0% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 6,833,037 (17th largest of 50 states)

20. Colorado: 4,105 people

Source: milehightraveler / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Colorado who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 4,105 (1.8% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Colorado in 2022: 239,200 — 12th most of 50 states (1.7% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 5,839,926 (21st largest of 50 states)

19. Arizona: 4,584 people

Source: dszc / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from Arizona who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 4,584 (2.0% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Arizona in 2022: 204,734 — 15th most of 50 states (2.2% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 7,359,197 (14th largest of 50 states)

18. Washington: 4,661 people

Source: LoweStock / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Washington who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 4,661 (2.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Washington in 2022: 257,785 — 10th most of 50 states (1.8% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 7,785,786 (13th largest of 50 states)

17. Louisiana: 4,772 people

Source: f11photo / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Louisiana who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 4,772 (2.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Louisiana in 2022: 105,897 — 24th fewest of 50 states (4.5% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 4,590,241 (25th largest of 50 states)

16. Ohio: 5,708 people

Source: espiegle / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Ohio who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 5,708 (2.5% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Ohio in 2022: 196,766 — 16th most of 50 states (2.9% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 11,756,058 (7th largest of 50 states)

15. New York: 5,821 people

Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from New York who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 5,821 (2.6% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of New York in 2022: 545,598 — 2nd most of 50 states (1.1% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 19,677,151 (4th largest of 50 states)

14. Michigan: 5,843 people

Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Michigan who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 5,843 (2.6% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Michigan in 2022: 167,885 — 18th most of 50 states (3.5% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 10,034,118 (10th largest of 50 states)

13. South Carolina: 6,557 people

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from South Carolina who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 6,557 (2.9% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of South Carolina in 2022: 154,398 — 21st most of 50 states (4.2% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 5,282,634 (23rd largest of 50 states)

12. Pennsylvania: 6,568 people

Source: kimon / Flickr
  • People from Pennsylvania who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 6,568 (2.9% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Pennsylvania in 2022: 278,699 — 7th most of 50 states (2.4% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 12,972,008 (5th largest of 50 states)

11. Arkansas: 7,202 people

Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Arkansas who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 7,202 (3.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Arkansas in 2022: 74,408 — 18th fewest of 50 states (9.7% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 3,045,637 (18th smallest of 50 states)

10. North Carolina: 7,391 people

Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from North Carolina who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 7,391 (3.3% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of North Carolina in 2022: 259,422 — 9th most of 50 states (2.8% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 10,698,973 (9th largest of 50 states)

9. Kentucky: 8,227 people

Source: kenlund / Flickr
  • People from Kentucky who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 8,227 (3.6% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Kentucky in 2022: 88,556 — 21st fewest of 50 states (9.3% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 4,512,310 (25th smallest of 50 states)

8. Alabama: 9,375 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Alabama who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 9,375 (4.1% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Alabama in 2022: 102,894 — 23rd fewest of 50 states (9.1% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 5,074,296 (24th largest of 50 states)

7. Virginia: 9,450 people

Source: drone-and-quadcopter / Flickr
  • People from Virginia who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 9,450 (4.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Virginia in 2022: 282,050 — 6th most of 50 states (3.4% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 8,683,619 (12th largest of 50 states)

6. Mississippi: 9,491 people

Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Mississippi who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 9,491 (4.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Mississippi in 2022: 59,596 — 14th fewest of 50 states (15.9% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 2,940,057 (17th smallest of 50 states)

5. Illinois: 12,602 people

Source: franckreporter / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from Illinois who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 12,602 (5.6% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Illinois in 2022: 344,027 — 5th most of 50 states (3.7% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 12,582,032 (6th largest of 50 states)

4. Texas: 12,862 people

Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Texas who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 12,862 (5.7% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Texas in 2022: 494,077 — 3rd most of 50 states (2.6% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 30,029,572 (2nd largest of 50 states)

3. Georgia: 14,770 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Georgia who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 14,770 (6.5% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Georgia in 2022: 253,275 — 11th most of 50 states (5.8% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 10,912,876 (8th largest of 50 states)

2. California: 22,565 people

Source: Ron and Patty Thomas / E+ via Getty Images
  • People from California who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 22,565 (10.0% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of California in 2022: 817,669 — the most of 50 states (2.8% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 39,029,342 (the largest of 50 states)

1. Florida: 25,318 people

Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
  • People from Florida who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 25,318 (11.2% of Americans who moved to Tennessee)
  • Total num. of Americans who moved out of Florida in 2022: 489,905 — 4th most of 50 states (5.2% moved to Tennessee)
  • Total population in 2022: 22,244,823 (3rd largest of 50 states)
Rank Geography Residents who moved to Tennessee in 2022 Pct. all inbound moves to Tennessee
50 Maine 0.00
49 North Dakota 94 0.04
48 Delaware 114 0.05
47 New Mexico 146 0.06
46 Vermont 184 0.08
45 Wyoming 325 0.14
44 Iowa 332 0.15
43 District of Columbia 391 0.17
42 Hawaii 430 0.19
41 West Virginia 486 0.22
40 New Hampshire 528 0.23
39 Montana 556 0.25
38 South Dakota 592 0.26
37 Rhode Island 688 0.30
36 Kansas 744 0.33
35 Connecticut 936 0.41
34 Nebraska 981 0.43
33 Alaska 1,025 0.45
32 Nevada 1,034 0.46
31 Idaho 1,332 0.59
30 Oklahoma 1,548 0.69
29 Minnesota 1,809 0.80
28 Oregon 2,016 0.89
27 Massachusetts 2,424 1.07
26 Utah 2,567 1.14
25 Maryland 2,635 1.17
24 Missouri 3,102 1.37
23 Wisconsin 3,494 1.55
22 New Jersey 3,517 1.56
21 Indiana 4,067 1.80
20 Colorado 4,105 1.82
19 Arizona 4,584 2.03
18 Washington 4,661 2.06
17 Louisiana 4,772 2.11
16 Ohio 5,708 2.53
15 New York 5,821 2.58
14 Michigan 5,843 2.59
13 South Carolina 6,557 2.90
12 Pennsylvania 6,568 2.91
11 Arkansas 7,202 3.19
10 North Carolina 7,391 3.27
9 Kentucky 8,227 3.64
8 Alabama 9,375 4.15
7 Virginia 9,450 4.18
6 Mississippi 9,491 4.20
5 Illinois 12,602 5.58
4 Texas 12,862 5.69
3 Georgia 14,770 6.54
2 California 22,565 9.99
1 Florida 25,318 11.20

Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With A Financial Advisor (Sponsored)

Take the quiz below to get matched with a financial advisor today.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future

Take the retirement quiz right here.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.