Where People From Washington Are Moving to the Most

Special Report

Published: February 22, 2024 8:30 am

Last Updated: February 22, 2024 11:40 am

Even in the best possible circumstances, moving to a new home can be stressful. Perhaps in no small part for this reason, in recent decades Americans have become increasingly likely to stay put. Fewer than 30 million people moved within the U.S. in each of the last three years, compared to over 40 million per year for much of the 1980s and throughout the 1990s, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

While a small minority of moves in the U.S. are necessitated by an eviction or natural disaster, most are voluntary — most often for reasons related to housing. These include wanting a larger home, a more affordable home, or a home in a better neighborhood. Other commonly cited explanations include work and family.

No matter the reason, most Americans do not have to go far to get what they want. Since record keeping began in 1948, over 60% of movers remained in the same county, and over 80% in the same state. Lately, however, a larger share of American movers are crossing state lines.

According to estimates from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the number of Americans who moved to a different state has been steadily rising for over a decade. More than 8.2 million Americans moved to a different state in 2022, the most of any year since at least 2010.

The historic number of moves across state lines in 2022 was driven, in part, by moves out of Washington state. An estimated 257,800 Americans left Washington in 2022 for a different part of the country.

While reasons any given individual or family may decide to move are often personal, some circumstances unique to Washington may have pushed many out. For one, the overall cost of living in Washington is about 10% higher than the national average. Additionally, the typical home in Washington is worth $569,500, about $248,600 more than the national median — and proceeds from a home sale in the state would likely go much further in other housing markets.

Some states are much more popular destinations for former-Washington residents than others. People from Washington moved to every state in the country in 2022, with the exception of West Virginia. Among the 48 remaining states and Washington, D.C., the influx of former-Washington residents ranged from about 60 to nearly 31,900.

50. West Virginia: 0 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to West Virginia in 2022: None
Total num. of Americans who moved to West Virginia in 2022: 43,493 — 8th fewest of 50 states (0.00% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,775,156 (12th smallest of 50 states)

49. New Hampshire: 58 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to New Hampshire in 2022: 58 (0.02% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to New Hampshire in 2022: 49,782 — 12th fewest of 50 states (0.12% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,395,231 (10th smallest of 50 states)

48. Delaware: 171 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Delaware in 2022: 171 (0.07% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Delaware in 2022: 46,162 — 9th fewest of 50 states (0.37% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,018,396 (6th smallest of 50 states)

47. Vermont: 646 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Vermont in 2022: 646 (0.25% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Vermont in 2022: 26,151 — the fewest of 50 states (2.47% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 647,064 (2nd smallest of 50 states)

46. Rhode Island: 662 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Rhode Island in 2022: 662 (0.26% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Rhode Island in 2022: 40,311 — 6th fewest of 50 states (1.64% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,093,734 (7th smallest of 50 states)

45. Iowa: 786 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Iowa in 2022: 786 (0.30% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Iowa in 2022: 72,231 — 16th fewest of 50 states (1.09% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 3,200,517 (20th smallest of 50 states)

44. South Dakota: 1,001 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to South Dakota in 2022: 1,001 (0.39% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to South Dakota in 2022: 31,300 — 3rd fewest of 50 states (3.20% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 909,824 (5th smallest of 50 states)

43. North Dakota: 1,040 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to North Dakota in 2022: 1,040 (0.40% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to North Dakota in 2022: 34,536 — 4th fewest of 50 states (3.01% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 779,261 (4th smallest of 50 states)

42. New Jersey: 1,179 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to New Jersey in 2022: 1,179 (0.46% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to New Jersey in 2022: 175,023 — 16th most of 50 states (0.67% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 9,261,699 (11th largest of 50 states)

41. District of Columbia: 1,216 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to District of Columbia in 2022: 1,216 (0.47% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to District of Columbia in 2022: 64,506 (1.89% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 671,803

40. Wyoming: 1,225 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Wyoming in 2022: 1,225 (0.48% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Wyoming in 2022: 28,948 — 2nd fewest of 50 states (4.23% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 581,381 (the smallest of 50 states)

39. Maine: 1,514 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Maine in 2022: 1,514 (0.59% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Maine in 2022: 41,618 — 7th fewest of 50 states (3.64% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,385,340 (9th smallest of 50 states)

38. Nebraska: 1,630 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Nebraska in 2022: 1,630 (0.63% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Nebraska in 2022: 49,159 — 11th fewest of 50 states (3.32% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,967,923 (14th smallest of 50 states)

37. Alabama: 1,639 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Alabama in 2022: 1,639 (0.64% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Alabama in 2022: 139,263 — 23rd most of 50 states (1.18% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 5,074,296 (24th largest of 50 states)

36. Connecticut: 1,670 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Connecticut in 2022: 1,670 (0.65% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Connecticut in 2022: 145,315 — 21st most of 50 states (1.15% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 3,626,205 (22nd smallest of 50 states)

35. Maryland: 1,774 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Maryland in 2022: 1,774 (0.69% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Maryland in 2022: 139,784 — 22nd most of 50 states (1.27% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 6,164,660 (19th largest of 50 states)

34. Michigan: 1,983 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Michigan in 2022: 1,983 (0.77% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Michigan in 2022: 157,955 — 19th most of 50 states (1.26% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 10,034,118 (10th largest of 50 states)

33. Louisiana: 2,021 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Louisiana in 2022: 2,021 (0.78% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Louisiana in 2022: 75,330 — 17th fewest of 50 states (2.68% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 4,590,241 (25th largest of 50 states)

32. Mississippi: 2,090 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Mississippi in 2022: 2,090 (0.81% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Mississippi in 2022: 69,948 — 14th fewest of 50 states (2.99% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 2,940,057 (17th smallest of 50 states)

31. Minnesota: 2,255 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Minnesota in 2022: 2,255 (0.87% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Minnesota in 2022: 117,016 — 23rd fewest of 50 states (1.93% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 5,717,184 (22nd largest of 50 states)

30. Indiana: 2,282 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Indiana in 2022: 2,282 (0.89% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Indiana in 2022: 149,331 — 20th most of 50 states (1.53% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 6,833,037 (17th largest of 50 states)

29. New Mexico: 2,468 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to New Mexico in 2022: 2,468 (0.96% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to New Mexico in 2022: 72,095 — 15th fewest of 50 states (3.42% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 2,113,344 (15th smallest of 50 states)

28. Pennsylvania: 2,687 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Pennsylvania in 2022: 2,687 (1.04% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Pennsylvania in 2022: 262,700 — 9th most of 50 states (1.02% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 12,972,008 (5th largest of 50 states)

27. Arkansas: 2,703 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Arkansas in 2022: 2,703 (1.05% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Arkansas in 2022: 86,375 — 18th fewest of 50 states (3.13% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 3,045,637 (18th smallest of 50 states)

26. Ohio: 2,929 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Ohio in 2022: 2,929 (1.14% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Ohio in 2022: 200,809 — 15th most of 50 states (1.46% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 11,756,058 (7th largest of 50 states)

25. Massachusetts: 3,006 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Massachusetts in 2022: 3,006 (1.17% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Massachusetts in 2022: 171,077 — 17th most of 50 states (1.76% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 6,981,974 (16th largest of 50 states)

24. Alaska: 3,076 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Alaska in 2022: 3,076 (1.19% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Alaska in 2022: 36,563 — 5th fewest of 50 states (8.41% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 733,583 (3rd smallest of 50 states)

23. Kentucky: 3,235 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Kentucky in 2022: 3,235 (1.25% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Kentucky in 2022: 113,197 — 22nd fewest of 50 states (2.86% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 4,512,310 (25th smallest of 50 states)

22. Kansas: 3,475 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Kansas in 2022: 3,475 (1.35% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Kansas in 2022: 94,208 — 21st fewest of 50 states (3.69% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 2,937,150 (16th smallest of 50 states)

21. Oklahoma: 3,811 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Oklahoma in 2022: 3,811 (1.48% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Oklahoma in 2022: 117,788 — 24th fewest of 50 states (3.24% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 4,019,800 (23rd smallest of 50 states)

20. North Carolina: 3,962 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to North Carolina in 2022: 3,962 (1.54% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to North Carolina in 2022: 341,582 — 4th most of 50 states (1.16% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 10,698,973 (9th largest of 50 states)

19. Illinois: 3,965 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Illinois in 2022: 3,965 (1.54% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Illinois in 2022: 228,308 — 12th most of 50 states (1.74% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 12,582,032 (6th largest of 50 states)

18. Hawaii: 4,090 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Hawaii in 2022: 4,090 (1.59% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Hawaii in 2022: 56,209 — 13th fewest of 50 states (7.28% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,440,196 (11th smallest of 50 states)

17. Wisconsin: 4,207 people from Washington state

Wisconsin | Aerial view of Madison city downtown at sunset, Wisconsin

People from Washington who moved to Wisconsin in 2022: 4,207 (1.63% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Wisconsin in 2022: 120,434 — 25th fewest of 50 states (3.49% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 5,892,539 (20th largest of 50 states)

16. Missouri: 4,333 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Missouri in 2022: 4,333 (1.68% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Missouri in 2022: 163,254 — 18th most of 50 states (2.65% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 6,177,957 (18th largest of 50 states)

15. Tennessee: 4,661 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 4,661 (1.81% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Tennessee in 2022: 225,969 — 13th most of 50 states (2.06% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 7,051,339 (15th largest of 50 states)

14. New York: 4,683 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to New York in 2022: 4,683 (1.82% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to New York in 2022: 301,461 — 6th most of 50 states (1.55% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 19,677,151 (4th largest of 50 states)

13. South Carolina: 5,097 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to South Carolina in 2022: 5,097 (1.98% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to South Carolina in 2022: 219,707 — 14th most of 50 states (2.32% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 5,282,634 (23rd largest of 50 states)

12. Montana: 5,225 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Montana in 2022: 5,225 (2.03% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Montana in 2022: 48,165 — 10th fewest of 50 states (10.85% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,122,867 (8th smallest of 50 states)

11. Nevada: 6,212 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Nevada in 2022: 6,212 (2.41% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Nevada in 2022: 127,406 — 25th most of 50 states (4.88% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 3,177,772 (19th smallest of 50 states)

10. Colorado: 6,796 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Colorado in 2022: 6,796 (2.64% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Colorado in 2022: 229,876 — 11th most of 50 states (2.96% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 5,839,926 (21st largest of 50 states)

9. Virginia: 6,877 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Virginia in 2022: 6,877 (2.67% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Virginia in 2022: 266,970 — 8th most of 50 states (2.58% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 8,683,619 (12th largest of 50 states)

8. Georgia: 8,761 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Georgia in 2022: 8,761 (3.40% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Georgia in 2022: 327,795 — 5th most of 50 states (2.67% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 10,912,876 (8th largest of 50 states)

7. Utah: 8,845 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Utah in 2022: 8,845 (3.43% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Utah in 2022: 91,341 — 20th fewest of 50 states (9.68% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 3,380,800 (21st smallest of 50 states)

6. Florida: 11,804 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Florida in 2022: 11,804 (4.58% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Florida in 2022: 738,969 — the most of 50 states (1.60% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 22,244,823 (3rd largest of 50 states)

5. Idaho: 14,387 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Idaho in 2022: 14,387 (5.58% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Idaho in 2022: 87,949 — 19th fewest of 50 states (16.36% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 1,939,033 (13th smallest of 50 states)

4. Texas: 21,083 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Texas in 2022: 21,083 (8.18% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Texas in 2022: 668,338 — 2nd most of 50 states (3.15% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 30,029,572 (2nd largest of 50 states)

3. Arizona: 21,242 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Arizona in 2022: 21,242 (8.24% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Arizona in 2022: 282,729 — 7th most of 50 states (7.51% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 7,359,197 (14th largest of 50 states)

2. Oregon: 25,457 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to Oregon in 2022: 25,457 (9.88% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to Oregon in 2022: 128,359 — 24th most of 50 states (19.83% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 4,240,137 (24th smallest of 50 states)

1. California: 31,866 people from Washington state

People from Washington who moved to California in 2022: 31,866 (12.36% of outbound moves from Washington)
Total num. of Americans who moved to California in 2022: 475,803 — 3rd most of 50 states (6.70% from Washington)
Total population in 2022: 39,029,342 (the largest of 50 states)

Rank	Geography	New residents from Washington in 2022	Share of all outbound moves from Washington in 2022 (%)	Share of all inbound moves from Washington in 2022 (%)
50	West Virginia	0	0.00	0.00
49	New Hampshire	58	0.02	0.12
48	Delaware	171	0.07	0.37
47	Vermont	646	0.25	2.47
46	Rhode Island	662	0.26	1.64
45	Iowa	786	0.30	1.09
44	South Dakota	1,001	0.39	3.20
43	North Dakota	1,040	0.40	3.01
42	New Jersey	1,179	0.46	0.67
41	District of Columbia	1,216	0.47	1.89
40	Wyoming	1,225	0.48	4.23
39	Maine	1,514	0.59	3.64
38	Nebraska	1,630	0.63	3.32
37	Alabama	1,639	0.64	1.18
36	Connecticut	1,670	0.65	1.15
35	Maryland	1,774	0.69	1.27
34	Michigan	1,983	0.77	1.26
33	Louisiana	2,021	0.78	2.68
32	Mississippi	2,090	0.81	2.99
31	Minnesota	2,255	0.87	1.93
30	Indiana	2,282	0.89	1.53
29	New Mexico	2,468	0.96	3.42
28	Pennsylvania	2,687	1.04	1.02
27	Arkansas	2,703	1.05	3.13
26	Ohio	2,929	1.14	1.46
25	Massachusetts	3,006	1.17	1.76
24	Alaska	3,076	1.19	8.41
23	Kentucky	3,235	1.25	2.86
22	Kansas	3,475	1.35	3.69
21	Oklahoma	3,811	1.48	3.24
20	North Carolina	3,962	1.54	1.16
19	Illinois	3,965	1.54	1.74
18	Hawaii	4,090	1.59	7.28
17	Wisconsin	4,207	1.63	3.49
16	Missouri	4,333	1.68	2.65
15	Tennessee	4,661	1.81	2.06
14	New York	4,683	1.82	1.55
13	South Carolina	5,097	1.98	2.32
12	Montana	5,225	2.03	10.85
11	Nevada	6,212	2.41	4.88
10	Colorado	6,796	2.64	2.96
9	Virginia	6,877	2.67	2.58
8	Georgia	8,761	3.40	2.67
7	Utah	8,845	3.43	9.68
6	Florida	11,804	4.58	1.60
5	Idaho	14,387	5.58	16.36
4	Texas	21,083	8.18	3.15
3	Arizona	21,242	8.24	7.51
2	Oregon	25,457	9.88	19.83
1	California	31,866	12.36	6.70

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