California, the most populous state in the US, is losing some of its residents due to various factors such as high cost of living, politics, and crime. According to the US Census Bureau, California had a net outflow of nearly 350,000 residents between 2021 and 2022, meaning more people left the state than moved in.
Where are they going?
Some of the popular destinations for Californians who are looking for a change are Texas, Arizona, and Florida. These states offer lower taxes, warmer weather, and more affordable housing than California. Other favored states for ex-Californians are Oregon and Colorado, which have similar natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities as California.
However, not all Californians are moving to other states. Some are relocating within the state, especially from the coastal cities to the inland areas. For example, Sacramento, the state capital, saw a net inflow of more than 30,000 residents from other parts of California between 2021 and 2022, according to the Census Bureau.
What are the trends for the major cities?
Some of the most populous cities in California, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, are also experiencing a loss of residents. According to Redfin, a home-listings site, these cities appeared on the list of the top 10 metropolitan areas homebuyers are looking to leave in 2023. Redfin analyzed the number of Redfin.com users who viewed for-sale homes from August 2023 to October 2023 to measure the share of homebuyers looking to relocate from one metro to another.
The data showed that people looking to move out of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are most often searching for homes in Las Vegas and Seattle. Seattle was the most popular out-of-state destination for San Franciscans, most likely due to its also-vibrant tech scene, while Las Vegas was attractive for both Los Angeles and San Diego movers. According to the Census Bureau, Washington state and Nevada attracted 49,968 and 48,836 Californians, respectively, between 2021 and 2022.
What are the implications for the future?
The exodus of Californians may have significant implications for the future of the state and the nation. For one thing, California may lose one or two seats in the US House of Representatives and the Electoral College after the 2023 census, reducing its political influence. For another, the demographic and economic changes may affect the state’s culture, diversity, and innovation.
However, some experts argue that California is not in a crisis and that the outmigration is not as alarming as it seems. They point out that California still has a positive natural increase (births minus deaths) and that the state attracts more international immigrants than any other state. They also note that California remains a global leader in many industries, such as entertainment, technology, and agriculture, and that the state has a resilient and dynamic economy that can adapt to challenges.
Conclusion
California, a state that has long been a magnet for people from all over the world, is facing a decline in its population growth due to various factors. Some of its residents are leaving the state for other states, especially Texas, Arizona, and Florida, while others are moving within the state, especially from the coastal cities to the inland areas.
The most popular destinations for Californians who are looking to leave the major cities are Las Vegas and Seattle. The exodus of Californians may have implications for the state’s political, demographic, and economic future, but some experts believe that California is not in a crisis and that the state can overcome the challenges.