1. Vermont
Vermont’s rural charm has long attracted new residents, but its high property taxes and limited job opportunities are driving people away in 2025. The younger generation is especially drawn to urban centers in other states for work and social opportunities.
2. Louisiana
Louisiana’s population dip is driven by two big factors: extreme weather and economic challenges. Hurricanes and rising insurance costs are making life less sustainable, while job seekers are leaving for more stable industries elsewhere.
3. Illinois
Illinois has been battling population loss for years, with Chicago at the epicenter. Property taxes are among the highest in the nation, and concerns about crime and job prospects have residents heading for greener pastures in states like Indiana and Wisconsin.
4. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s shrinking population can be linked to its aging demographic and a lack of job opportunities in rural areas. Many younger residents are moving to urban centers in other states where they see better prospects for careers and affordable living.
5. Michigan
Michigan’s population decline continues in 2025, with residents leaving for better job opportunities in southern states. While Detroit has seen some revitalization, many smaller cities and rural areas struggle with economic stagnation and a lack of infrastructure investment.
6. New York
The Empire State is seeing more of its residents leave, especially from New York City. Sky-high rents, property taxes, and the allure of more affordable living in neighboring states are driving the trend. For many, remote work has made it easier than ever to trade crowded streets for a quieter lifestyle.
7. West Virginia
West Virginia’s small-town charm isn’t enough to keep people from leaving. The state’s lack of job diversification, combined with limited access to healthcare and education, has younger generations flocking to nearby states with better opportunities.
8. Mississippi
Mississippi is losing residents due to economic hardships and poor healthcare rankings. With fewer opportunities for upward mobility and low wages, many families are relocating to states where they see a brighter future.
9. Alaska
Alaska’s breathtaking beauty isn’t enough to counteract the challenges of living in such a remote state. Rising costs of goods, limited job prospects, and harsh winters are encouraging people to leave the Last Frontier behind.
10. New Jersey
New Jersey’s high taxes and cost of living are driving out residents in record numbers. Many are moving to nearby states like Pennsylvania or further south to enjoy more affordable housing and lower property taxes.
11. Connecticut
Connecticut’s population loss stems from its high living costs and sluggish job market. With neighboring states like Massachusetts and New York offering more opportunities, residents are opting to cross state lines for a better deal.
12. Rhode Island
Rhode Island might be small, but it’s seeing big population shifts in 2025. Limited economic growth and high housing costs are prompting people to look for a better balance of affordability and opportunity elsewhere.
13. Oregon
While Oregon has been a hotspot for transplants in the past, 2025 marks a reversal. Rising housing costs and increasing concerns about homelessness in cities like Portland are pushing residents to states with a lower cost of living.
14. Hawaii
Paradise isn’t cheap, and Hawaii’s high cost of living continues to drive residents to the mainland. The expense of housing, groceries, and utilities—coupled with limited career growth—makes staying a challenge for many locals.
15. California
California’s population decline has been making headlines for years, and 2025 is no exception. The Golden State’s high cost of living, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, continues to push people out. Add to that concerns about wildfires, housing shortages, and tax burdens, and you’ve got a recipe for an ongoing exodus.
In a country as vast and diverse as the U.S., it’s fascinating to see how different factors—from weather to taxes—shape where people choose to live. If you’re considering a move yourself, these trends might give you a little extra insight!
