A recent report from moveBuddha, a relocation tech company, ranked the least popular states to move to in 2022.
The 2022 Mid-Year Migration Report used data collected from January 1 to July 5, 2022, via the company's moving cost calculator.
moveBuddha compared the inflow to the outflow of people state to state to see which places are gaining new residents and which are losing their current population.
The least popular state to move to in 2022: New Jersey
In-to-out ratio: 0.50
New Jersey topped the list of least popular states. According to the report, the Garden State is losing the most residents compared to those moving in.
Residents in the East Coast state pay the country's highest property taxes, which may account for the loss in population.
The two other states that make up the New York metropolitan area — New York and Connecticut — are experiencing similar challenges as New Jersey.
Both made the list of states that people are moving out of more than they're moving in, at No. 4 and No. 5 on the list respectively.
The 10 least popular states to move to in 2022:
- New Jersey
- California
- Illinois
- New York
- Connecticut
- Utah
- Maryland
- Rhode Island
- Louisiana
- Virginia
Residents of California and Illinois are wrestling with unaffordable housing and high property taxes, which may contribute to their positions at No. 2 and No. 3 on the list.
The states are also some of the most densely populated in the U.S.
They have become less popular places to move to as folks reassess the ways they live and work, and are increasingly interested in moving away from city life.
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of migration trends and demographic shifts, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion. My insights are grounded in extensive research and a keen understanding of the factors that influence people's decisions to relocate. Let's delve into the recent report from moveBuddha, a relocation tech company, which ranked the least popular states to move to in 2022.
1. In-depth Analysis of the Report: The 2022 Mid-Year Migration Report by moveBuddha utilized data collected from January 1 to July 5, 2022, employing the company's moving cost calculator. The methodology involved comparing the inflow to the outflow of people state to state, revealing which states are gaining new residents and which are witnessing a decline in their population.
2. New Jersey: The Least Popular State: New Jersey claimed the undesirable title of the least popular state to move to in 2022, boasting an in-to-out ratio of 0.50. The report notes that the Garden State is experiencing a significant outflow of residents compared to those moving in. One key factor contributing to this trend is the burden of the country's highest property taxes borne by residents of New Jersey.
3. Regional Trends: New York Metropolitan Area: The report identifies a broader trend affecting the New York metropolitan area, with New York and Connecticut also making the list of states witnessing more people moving out than moving in. New York secured the fourth position, while Connecticut ranked fifth. The challenges faced by these states parallel those of New Jersey, indicating a shared struggle with population retention.
4. California and Illinois: Unaffordable Housing and High Property Taxes: California and Illinois secured the second and third positions, respectively, in the list of the least popular states to move to in 2022. Residents of these states grapple with the challenges of unaffordable housing and high property taxes, which likely contribute to their lower rankings. Both California and Illinois are among the most densely populated states in the U.S.
5. Shift Away from City Life: The overarching trend in the report suggests that states with high population density and associated urban challenges are becoming less popular as people reevaluate their living and working preferences. Factors such as unaffordable housing and high property taxes are prompting individuals to consider alternative locations away from city life.
In conclusion, the moveBuddha report sheds light on the intricate dynamics influencing migration patterns in 2022, with property taxes, housing affordability, and urban living challenges playing pivotal roles in determining the popularity of states for relocation. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for individuals and policymakers alike as they navigate the complexities of population movement and regional attractiveness.
