These are the places where you will find a lot of moving vans ready to bring residents somewhere else. Americans living in these states want a better quality of life and are moving out. United Van Lines reports that Americans still prefer places in the South and West, leaving behind the Midwest and Northeast. There are exceptions, of course. Read on to see the 25 states people are eager to leave!
Rhode Island
The smallest state in the US has an outbound move rate of 49.2%. United Van Says the reason people move is to look for a job outside its 1,200 square miles. The Ocean State has seen a growth of 1.5% in the past year in terms of hiring. Still, it is hard to find good jobs there. “I love R.I., but it’s expensive,” one Redditor said. “Taxes are high and cost of living is high — make sure you have a job before moving.”
Rhode Island
Mississippi
The birthplace of the blues offers great music beaches, comfort food, and the single petrified forest in the East. However, the Magnolia State has 49.4% outbound moves because of the lack of jobs. It has the highest unemployment rate in the nation with 5.4%. This is considerably higher than the national average of 3.5%. “It gets HOT out in the [Mississippi] Delta,” Tom H. said on Quora. “There are tons of mosquitoes and biting flies too. Wonderful folks, terrible conditions.”
Mississippi
Arkansas
Arkansas is a place known for its natural beauty, sports teams, and wild weather. It also happens to be the state that gave us both Walmart and Bill Clinton. Sadly, it has an outbound move rate of 49.7%. It does not have a lot of job opportunities. 71% of people who move out do so for work. It became the first state to require jobs for Medicaid recipients, so thousands lost their insurance last year.
Arkansas
Maine
While lit is a lovely place, it is not a state you want to retire in. With an outbound move rate of 50.6%, older Mainers are opting to retire somewhere else. “It gets cold during the winter. And windy and snowy,” Elsa K. posted on Quora. “I’m from northern Iceland and the winters in Maine aren’t as long or dark as in Iceland but they are colder and snowier.” That was not all: “There are bugs. Lots and lots of bugs, especially if you get away from the coast. Ticks, mosquitoes, flies and things that I don’t know the names of but want your blood.”
Maine
Missouri
St. Louis might be known as the “Gateway to the West”, but Missourians seem to prefer a gateway to elsewhere. The state has an outbound move rate of 51%. Yet again, people are leaving for the sake of jobs. The Show-Me State has been seeing many factory closings, and BLS says that Kansas City lost 1.9% of manufacturing jobs in the past year. A Harley-Davidson motorbike plant also closed in May 2019 and took away the jobs of 800 people. Meimnot555 also had this to say about the weather: “Southern humid summers and northern-like winters means rapidly moving from one extreme to the other,
Missouri
North Dakota
North Dakota has a 51.3% outbound move rate. It is among the most sparsely populated states and residents find it boring. United Van Lines says that almost 61% of the people who leave do so because of the lifestyle. “If you think about it, every state has something interesting about it,” a critic said on Quora. “What’s interesting about North Dakota?” While it is not very exciting, there are jobs around. In September 2019, the unemployment rate was only 2.5%. The weather is also good as it only gets as high as 121 degrees and as low as minus 60.
North Dakota
Virginia
With an outbound move rate of 51.6%, more folks are moving out than in. The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service reported that suburbs of Washington, D.C. might be booming, but the southern and western parts are losing people fast. Nearly half of the people who leave do it for employment, but more than a quarter chose to do so to be closer to family. Nearly a quarter left to retire in a different place. Seniors often head out of state, making up 26% of the movers. This is interesting to hear because it is often called a great place for retirement with its beaches, mountains, and low taxes.
Virginia
Utah
Utah has seen some improvement since it was formerly the 9th state most people move out of. At any rate, it still has an outbound move rate of 51.7%. Its mountains, rock formations, and parks are not enough to convince people to stay. Employment is what drives 65% of the moves, but there is a chance that climbing housing prices also factor in the phenomenon. In Salt Lake City, the National Association of Realtors said that an existing single-family home has gone up by 8% in the past year to $358k.
Utah
West Virginia
Rivers and mountains draw people to this “wild and wonderful” state. However, the economy is making residents leave. The unemployment rate is higher, and job growth has not been impressive. Over half of the people leaving are 44 years old and younger, and 73% of them go for jobs elsewhere. However, the opioid crisis in the state might contribute to the outbound move rate of 51.8%. A tiny home improvement company in the state issuing drugmakers because of soaring health insurance costs.
West Virginia
Nebraska
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett lives in an Omaha home he got in 1958. However, many decide that Nebraska doesn’t cut it. With its 52.6% outbound move rate, United Van Lines reveal that 70% of the people who leave look for work. While unemployment is low, there are not that many jobs. In 2018, one report said that it is currently going through a “brain drain.” Hank Robinson from the University of Nebraska at Omaha said, “We don’t need any more minimum wage, no-experience-required jobs.”
Nebraska
Maryland
Maryland boasts of rich history and many outdoor adventures. Sadly, this has not prevented its outbound move rate of 53.1%. Marylanders have been leaving because of the exorbitant taxes, rising home prices, high cost of living, and expensive health care fees. In 2018, half of the people who moved out were 55 years old or older. This is not surprising since it is among the worst states for retirees. According to Gov. Larry Hogan, the poor showing should convince the legislature to do something about it. He has proposed slashing taxes by $500 million in five years.
Maryland
Kentucky
Known for the Kentucky Derby and bluegrass landscapes, the state is seeing its residents leave for jobs elsewhere. The outbound move rate here is 53.5% as it boasts of one of the top unemployment rates in the nation. Many of its neighboring states have raised the minimum wage, but it has stayed at $7.25 per hour for a decade here. Over half of those who left are taking on better jobs, according to United Van Lines. Kentucky officials say that the next few years should see more manufacturing and engineering opportunities. There are also jobs in health care, secondary education, and the bourbon industry.
Kentucky
Wisconsin
Even though it is a charming state, Wisconsinites have been packing up and moving out. It has an outbound move rate of 54%. This can be attributed to the soaring housing prices, which then offset the steady employment growth and low cost of living. Of course, let us not forget that winters here are brutal. Nearly every winter the state has ever seen has hit at least negative 30 degrees. We are not surprised to hear that over half of those who moved out in 2018 were folks 55 years old or older.
Wisconsin
Louisiana
Louisiana is popular for its music culture, unique food scene, friendly people, and outdoor activities. However, lots of folks no longer want to live here. The 54.3% outbound move rate can be explained by the stagnant job growth and brutal taxes. The average combined sales tax is the second-highest in the nation at 9.46%, while employment outside of farm work went up by only 0.1% between 2018 and 2019. United Van Lines reported that the natural gas, methanol, and technology industries are getting bigger, but 70.8% of those who move out do so to pursue new jobs in other places.
Louisiana
California
California is ideal for its beachy and outdoorsy lifestyles, but the unbelievable housing prices and living costs make it a nightmare. It has an outbound move rate of 54.4%. People primarily move out for jobs, and then family issues, and then retirement. “Unlike a few decades ago, retirees are leaving California, instead choosing other states in the Pacific West and Mountain West,” said Michael Stoll, a public policy economist from the University of California, Los Angeles.
California
Michigan
With its 55% outbound move rate, the glorious parks and thousands of miles of coastline offer nature lovers a lot of adventures. The state has job opportunities in management, math, and computers, but it has even more low-paying work like in food preparation. The congressional Joint Economic Committee has dubbed Michigan the 7th state for “brain drain” as younger, educated workers flee the Wolverine State for other opportunities elsewhere. Around half of those who moved out in 2018 said that jobs are the primary reason for the move. For nearly a quarter, the driving factor was retirement instead.
Michigan
Montana
The sociable culture and amazing landscapes in Montana are great, but it is not enticing enough to convince locals to stay. The cost of living has risen, but it is still more affordable than other states. However, it can be hard to look for housing and work. The state boasts of an outbound move rate of 55%. In 2018, people mostly moved out to be closer to family. There is also a shortage in health care.
Montana
Iowa
Iowa boasts of golden cornfields and a growing job market, and yet the outbound move rate still sits at 55.5%. Almost three-quarters of the people who move out are seeking better employment. Even the tech jobs here pay less than they do in other states. The cost of living in the biggest cities is now too expensive for most. Aside from this, Reddit users complain about the weather, poor public schools, and terrible infrastructure. They said, “Iowa is a boring state to live in.” The biggest group of people who move out would be young folks aged 18 to 34. They prefer to settle down in some other place.
Iowa
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is great if you want to study, see a doctor, and get a fresh lobster roll. Sadly, the cost of living makes it hard for residents to make ends meet. This state has an outbound move rate of 55.7%. People from all age groups are leaving, but the pack is led by folks 55 years old and older. Over half of those who leave do so for jobs. As you can imagine, not a lot of them are happy about the terrible traffic, soaring housing costs, and harsh winters. We do not blame them at all for moving out of here.
Massachusetts
Ohio
Ohio is an inviting place with its amusement parks, islands, and cuisine. A lot of people from the coastal states like it here, but people are leaving despite the welcoming communities and the low cost of living. It has an outbound move rate of 56.5%. The Rustbelt state has seen pretty high unemployment rates and slow job growth. Residents also complain about the gray winters and unequal health care access. Over 6 out of 10 people here move out to look for jobs, while others want to retire elsewhere.
Ohio
Kansas
Many residents are taking the yellow brick road to different states. Even though the Sunflower State has a low cost of living, low unemployment, and a comfy lifestyle, almost 64% of those who left seek jobs outside. Located in the Tornado Alley, the Sunflower State has a 58.7% outbound move rate. Many educated workers are moving out because of the lack of income growth and the awful weather.
Kansas
New York
New York offers big-city living, sports, arts, wildlife, and small-town culture all at the same time. Still, the sky-high cost of living, brutal winters, high taxes, and job scarcity in rural areas do not make anyone happy. Residents are moving out to other states for retirement, employment, and family reasons. It turns out that nearly 300 people move out of NYC every single day. The outbound move rate is 61.5%.
New York
Connecticut
Connecticut has charming towns and beaches that tourists love. However, residents are leaving and there is a 62% outbound move rate. As taxes go up and infrastructure crumbles, Nutmeggers are saying goodbye. People aged 55 to 64 years old are more likely to leave. Over half of those who do boast of $150,000 or more in terms of incomes. “You want to go, go. Good luck to you,” a journalist and Connecticut resident called Jim Shea said, “And don’t let the door hit you in the assets.”
Connecticut
Illinois
The Prairie State has a lot of great colleges, farm produce, sports scene, and amazing cities. However, the economy, unemployment rate, and taxes are pretty bad. Illinois boasts of the second-highest property taxes and household income tax. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has promised to start a progressive income tax scheme for the wealthiest folks, job seekers, adults more than 55 years old, and those making over $150,000 a year. It has an outbound move rate of 65.9%.
Illinois
New Jersey
This state offers family-friendly suburbs, gorgeous beaches, and many football opportunities. Despite everything the Garden State has to offer, people are leaving more quickly than in any other state. This has been going on for the last decade or so. Over a third of people leave the state for employment reasons. While unemployment has gone down and wages are going up, the cost of living is still very stiff. Let us not forget about the high taxes and terrible roads either.
New Jersey
Oklahoma
Oklahama has one of the highest rates of physical activity and the third highest obesity rate. It also has the highest amount of people without health insurance. In addition, when people were surveyed in terms of their satisfaction with their lives it was showed that they all had overall low attitudes.
Oklahoma
Georgia
This one is quite surprising given that Atlanta has added so many jobs recently with the growth of big companies like Delta, The Home Depot, and even Coca-Cola setting up headquarters in Georgia’s capital city. Regardless, people are moving elsewhere to better their lifestyle, be closer to family, or retire.
Georgia
Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 lakes saw some trouble in 2019, as it saw the most amount of people leaving than arriving since 2015. This may be because of the weather and given that its one of the coldest states in the country, many people rather move somewhere warmer for their retirement.
Minnesota
Pennsylvania
Although this state is proud of its good costs and numerous job opportunities, many retirees admitted that they rather leave than stay. Although it seems like many young people enjoy living in Pennsylvania, adults over 45 seem to be leaving.
Pennsylvania
New Mexico
New Mexico is the state that has more break-ins, robberies, and theft than any other state. 66% of students finish high school and each year the education system decreases. That’s not all, individuals 15 and older have a reading level of 1 out of 5, meaning that then barely read a book for grade school children. There is also a huge wealth gap and not many opportunities for people living there.
New Mexico
Alabama
Sweeet Home Alabama is not as sweet as we thought, because it is the seventh poorest state in the nation. It is also high in crime and is ranked ninth for its amount of crimes. Its ranked 7 in terms of the number of people unemployed and the average person is not educated. In general, the state lacks in most areas but is commended for its southern charm and beautiful outdoor areas.
Alabama
South Carolina
Another state exposed to crime in South Carolina and today it is ranked 6th in terms of its crime rate. It also has terrible property crime and residents have a 1 out of 70 chance of being a victim of a property crime. It is also a terrible place for online dating. The income levels are low, and the state has the largest amount of mobile homes, which isn’t great for hurricane season.
South Carolina
Tennessee
Tennesse is one of the most undesirable places to live. It has the eighth-lowest income rate in the country and many people are struggling to find good jobs. They also have the most number of people who haven’t been immunized and has the third-highest crime rate. Memphis is particularly bad, so much that google street view doesn’t go down many of the streets there.
Tennessee
Arizona
The summers in Arizona can be so dreadful in terms of the heat. They also have a high crime rate and very poor school systems. There are great cities to visit like Sedona, Prescott, Chandler, and Gilbert, but very few are places to call home. They have an incredibly high crime rate, 8th highest in the country and the 12th highest amount of people without health insurance. Alcoholism is also a huge issue.
Arizona
Indiana
One in every three residents in Indiana live below the poverty line and they have a high rate of crime in poorer areas. There is a high unemployment rate, which contributes to their low incomes. It looks like a Hoosier means someone that just has poor health but they have one of the highest smoking rates in all of America. They have one of the lowest public health funding and it can be very difficult to find a dentist.
Indiana
Stockton, California
While Stockton is already known for its high crime but things decreased ever since they filed for bankruptcy. They have no money to keep police patrolling the streets and crime has increased. Now that they are severely lacking money, they can’t run the city properly and its become one of the most dangerous cities to call home.
Stockton, California
Buffalo, New York
Compared to a decade ago, the murder rate in Buffalo has certainly gone down but that is a result of heightened drug crackdowns. What’s more, over 30% of residents living in the city are below the poverty line. The job market is doing poorly and there is a high foreclosure rate. Unfortunately, many of the people are not happy living there and are desperate to move somewhere.
Buffalo, New York
Chicago, Illinois
This one on the list is surprising because we’re all familiar with the infamous windy city. Unfortunately, it is isn’t too much of a happy city and many people complain about the long commutes and terrible weather conditions. While its surely beautiful, it may be a better city to visit than living.
Chicago, Illinois
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit has lost its appeal recently because of the increasing crime and drug-related problems. Most of the residents are living in poverty and are doing everything they can to keep up, which usually means violence. It recently becomes a place where families don’t want to live and many have left.
Detroit, Michigan
Baltimore, Maryland
This city is ranked in the Top1 5 for violent crimes so it makes sense people are not running to live there. Although its beautiful, it is one of the more dangerous cities in the country. Not only is it known for its high crime rate but also drug problems. This is not the city that most are eager to call home.
Baltimore, Maryland