What’s up guys! It’s Jason here and welcome to my YouTube channel, Company Insight.
It’s a fact - relocating isn't easy. You will have to leave your friends behind, bid farewell
to your favorite cafes, and go through hours of boxing and wrapping stuff in bubble wrap.
But each year, millions of Americans relocate to somewhere else within the country for different
reasons. And 2020 offered Americans the most important reason to move - COVID. Many individuals
moved away from highly infected areas or left urban communities since they lost their jobs.
Others moved in search of a place where the cost of living is lower. And many people took
this chance to move somewhere permanently that they've been thinking about for a long time.
In this video, I'll run you through the Top 15 Moved Out States in 2021. By the end,
you'll know which states that residents are leaving and which states to give second thoughts
before moving to. This is important as it's a general rule of thumb that it's better to be
somewhere that the rising tide lifts all boats. But first, I need a quick favor from you. If you
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with the most moved out states in 2021. Background of the Moving Out States Data
Each year, United Van Lines - the largest moving company in the entire US - releases information
on the number of individuals leaving and joining each state. In their 2021 report,
work was top of the list among factors that motivated individuals to leave, with 40% of
those moving doing so to seek better employment opportunities. However, in a year tinted by COVID,
countless moves were persuaded by family. In fact, in 2020, more than one of every
four Americans migrated so that they can be closer to their family members. Wow! I've
never seen that happen before for that reason! While individuals move for different reasons,
most moves are motivated by the opportunity to enjoy a better life. For some people, that may
be favorable weather or a flourishing social scene. Nonetheless, states with well-structured
employment markets and favorable taxes attract residents like bees to honey (or workers to good
pay!) For states themselves, interstate movement is serious business – the more people there are,
the more taxes the States collect, and big population increases result in more political
power later on. So, without further ado, here are the states Americans are fleeing the quickest
(outbound) as well as some of the factors that could have motivated them in doing so.
We'll start from the bottom up. #15 Most Moved Out-State: Mississippi
Outbound moves: 52% Coming in at #15 is Mississippi.
Mississippi is notoriously laid back and takes life slowly. Coupled with a high unemployment
rate, it's easy to see why they are ranked 15th on the list of most moved out stated in America.
Over 71% of the outbound move is tied to high unemployment. Other factors responsible for
leaving are family and retirement. Although the minimum wage is above average for most non-factory
jobs, worker benefits are poor, forcing residents to travel out of the state for better job offers.
#14 Most Moved Out State: Louisiana Outbound moves: 53%
Louisiana has one of the highest poverty and unemployment rates in the country.
In November 2020, the state had the fourth-highest unemployment rate at 8.3%.
Little wonder, 73% of those leaving are doing so in search of a better life.
The Mardi Gras and Cajun cuisines attract tourists yearly. Still, most people in Louisiana are not
celebrating because an average of one out of every five people lives below the poverty line.
#13 Most Moved Out State: Virginia Outbound moves: 53%
Coming in at # 13, Virginia isn't as attractive as it used to be in the past; coupled with low
population growth, the state is no longer the Old Dominion state it used to be. The state's
population growth rate has slowed, and thousands of Virginians depart each year to explore
other states for better opportunities. Family, retirement, and jobs are the top three reasons
for the outbound move. Over 55% of people leaving the state are 55 years or older, making retirement
a top factor of the outbound movement. Less than 10% of those leaving were between 15-35 years.
#12 Most Moved Out State: Indiana Outbound moves: 53%
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center,
also known as MERIC, Indiana is one of the most beautiful and affordable places to live.
Its housing cost is one of the lowest in the country. However, the unemployment rate is
below the national average, making Indianans move to other states in search of better-paying jobs.
An average worker there only earns $7.25 per hour, which is well below the national benchmark.
The second reason for the high outbound movement is retirement. Indiana isn't tax-friendly for
retirees. When compared to other states, there are less tax breaks for elders.
Although the state is affordable, the lower cost of living attracts only lower pay, which
means even if you save a particular percentage of your salary, your savings wouldn't still be
as high as it is on the national scale. #11 Most Moved Out State: Pennsylvania
Outbound moves: 53% Sadly, things are not
what they used to be in Pennsylvania. The state moved seven spots from last year.
The major reason for the outbound movement is employment. The state has lost thousands of
manufacturing jobs over the last decade. Although dirt-cheap taxes are advantageous, like no
taxes on clothing, the state lacks proper public upkeep that has made the state undesirable.
#10 Most Moved Out State: Maryland Outbound moves: 55%
Breaking into the top 10 is Maryland. Although Maryland is known for its delicious blue crabs (Be
sure to check out Phillips Seafood by the way), it has continued to climb high on the outbound chart.
Maryland moved ten spots from its previous position. The high jump is due to jobs
and retirement. More than half of the people moving out of the state are over 55 years old.
Housing is also very expensive. Another major contributing factor to the outward movement is
the cost of living. The state is ranked the 7th most expensive state by MERIC, and the cost of
housing is also above the nation's average. To get the most out of your living in Maryland,
you would have to resort to living far out in the suburbs and commute hours to work in the city.
#9 Most Moved Out State: Ohio Outbound moves: 56%
Ohio has an unemployment problem coupled with low wages. Both unemployment and wages in
Ohio are below the national average. Besides, the weather isn't nice. The spring is short,
and the weather is always too cold or too hot. It's clear to the blind why 56% of Ohioans are
leaving in search for better opportunities and good weather in large numbers. Sadly,
the song Cleveland Rocks from the Drew Carey Show might not be as relevant as the good old days.
#8 Most Moved Out State: Massachusetts Outbound moves: 57%
At #8, Massachusetts is home to Harvard, the Mayflower and the Boston Tea Party. However,
the cost of living in the state is expensive. The fact that union laws
and the requirement of developers to give away a certain number of units in
their apartments before they can be granted permission to build has made construction
extremely expensive. The need to pay a premium for basic housing and the lack of housing to
satisfy the increasing population has greatly contributed to the 56% outbound movement.
#7 Most Moved Out State: North Dakota Outbound moves: 57%
North Dakota is regarded as a boring state; no wonder its wide-open spaces
feel even more empty these days. North Dakota was among the top ten states with the lowest
unemployment rate in America in 2020. That tells you unemployment isn't high. Naturally, that also
makes you wonder why 57% of its residents are moving out of the state in search of a job.
Although there are jobs in North Dakota, it's just that most of the jobs available are not
what the residents want. The lack of good public transport, seafood, and rich diversity could
account for the massive outbound movement. #6 Most Moved Out State: Kansas
Outbound moves: 59% Kansas is rich in culture,
and the state is known to shield its residents from the outside world. According to MERIC 2020
data, Kansas has the fourth-lowest cost of living in America. However, you probably wouldn't reach
your earnings potential in Kansas because wages are low. Generally, life is slow-paced in Kansas,
and the city provides a perfect safety bubble for its residents. But sentiments aren't keeping
young people in Kansas, as close to half of the outbound movement is motivated by the desire
for better employment opportunities. #5 Most Moved Out State: California
Outbound moves: 59% Breaking in the top 5 is the home of
Silicon Valley. Although California was new to the top ten outbound state list, it experiences enough
outward movement at 59% to hold down the fifth position. The lack of employment opportunities
was a major reason for leaving the Golden State. Even though Silicon Valley and Hollywood was a
bigger reason for tech guys and aspiring actors to come, the city's appeal comes with a price
tag. According to MERIC's list, the golden state is now the most expensive state to live in America
after DC and Hawaii. The rent, mortgage prices, and gas prices are way above the national average.
In addition, constant devastating fire outbreaks and the lack of insurance coverage
for houses involved in these outbreaks have greatly decreased the desire for the state.
#4 Most Moved Out State: Connecticut Outbound moves: 64%
In at #4, Connecticut is known for its seaside appeal and lobster shacks;
however, MERIC reveals that housing and utilities are expensive. People in Connecticut are losing
a big chunk of their paycheck to the high cost of living. Like many of the states in the Northeast,
Connecticut's decentralized administration has further increased the income and sales tax paid
by its residents. In addition to the high cost of living and increase in taxes, Connecticut,
isn't making policies that encourage its retirees to stay behind. Over 30% of the people who left
Connecticut desire to retire in another state. That’s definitely not a good sign. This reason
competes with leaving to find a better job as the top two reasons for the outbound movement.
#3 Most Moved Out State: Illinois Outbound moves: 66%
#3 is down by a spot from the previous year’s ranking. Illinois is known for its expansive
farmland, but this vast land hasn’t revitalized the state economy. Prior to the pandemic, many
Illinoisans were already unhappy with the economy. Last year, Illinois residents protested against
legislation meant to raise the state income tax. Although the state government supports the local
public schools and community colleges, Illinoisans are worried about paying more income and property
taxes. While many say the cold winters and humid summers are the reason for people leaving,
the truth is most are leaving the state for better job opportunities. Sadly, the biggest
group leaving were working-age people, which leaves the future as gloomy as the weather.
#2 Most Moved Out State: New York Outbound moves: 67%
Ah, #2 is the city that never sleeps. New York is the most popular city in America
but housing and rent are outrageous. In Manhattan, rent can cost as much as $5,000 per month,
and an average house can be sold for over $1.6 million. According to MERIC, the cost of living
in New York is ranked fifth in the nation. Before the 2000's New York was a desirable place to live;
however, things started becoming expensive, the cost of living went through the roof,
property and income taxes also went up. These increases have left the new generation of New
Yorkers to seek better and more flexible alternatives elsewhere. If you haven’t seen
already, check out my video, The Mass Exodus of New York City. It explains everything that’s going
on there. Now moving on to #1. Drumroll please… #1 Most Moved Out State: New Jersey.
Outbound moves: 70% And the winner of Most Moved Out
State goes to New Jersey! New Jersey retains the top spot for the third consecutive year. For over
ten years, New Jersey has been in the top ten most move-out states on the United Van Lines report.
Although retirement and the desire to be with family accounted for more than a quarter of the
outbound moves, it was two of the top reasons, people moved in 2020. Taxes, auto insurance,
tolls and living costs are extremely high in New Jersey and could also be a major factor for the
outbound movement. I mean come on, the sales tax of over 6% is ridiculous. New Jersey also has some
of the highest taxes in America, and the cost of living in the city is equally high. School
districts are controlled by the municipalities, and if you want your kids to get a good education,
you would have to pay extra to get them there. Besides, be prepared to pay huge property taxes if
you desire to live in a desirable area. According to the State government, NJ homeowners paid an
average property tax bill of $9,000 last year. And exactly who has that much money lying around?
And that brings us to today. There you have it! The top 15 most moved out states in
2021. To summarize, people are fleeing the Northeast - New Jersey, New York, Illinois,
and Connecticut the most, with those states accounting for over 60% of outbound moves.
Millions of Americans moved elsewhere for different reasons, including better jobs,
family, and retirement. Finally, although there was a huge pandemic happening, Americans relocated
at rates comparable to previous years. So with that said, thank you so much for
watching my video. There was a significant amount of research and production that went into making
this video possible. As this is a brand-new YouTube channel I just started this year - if
you enjoy videos like this, please click the subscribe button and hit that notification bell!�
The more subscribers we get the better and the more content I can continue making. Do you live in
any of the States mentioned? Have you heard first hand or seen people moving out of those states?�
Be sure to check out some of my other videos, like the Rise and Fall of New York and for foodies,
How Did In-N-Out Get So Popular? As always, stay happy and healthy and
stay tuned for another episode of Company Insight next week.