The top 3 states Californians moved to, according to new Census data
Big Picture
New Census Bureau data shows Californians are still leaving the state in large numbers, but the pace of domestic out-migration eased slightly in 2024. An estimated 254,000 more residents moved out than moved in, down from about 268,000 in 2023, yet California still had the highest outbound migration of any state. Texas remained the top destination by far, with more than 45,000 Californians relocating there in 2024, followed by Nevada and Arizona. At the same time, California drew significant numbers of people from Texas and Arizona, and international immigration helped the state post a modest overall population gain of roughly 19,000 between mid-2024 and mid-2025.
Why it matters
Where people choose to live affects everything from housing markets to the workforce and political representation. The continued outflow of residents to states like Texas, Nevada, and Arizona reflects persistent pressures in California, especially the high cost of housing and living. Although the slowdown in out-migration suggests the narrative of a mass “exodus” may be overstated, the net loss of residents still pressures local economies and could influence future congressional representation and planning. At the same time, international immigration and births remain essential to the state’s growth, highlighting that California’s demographic dynamics are more complex than simple “out or stay.”