By Ethan Faverino |
A comprehensive new analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau data by the Retirement Living Research Team reveals a seismic shift in American migration patterns, with eight of the top ten states for net population growth located in the South, joined by Arizona and Nevada.
The 2025 report, which segments migration by generation, shows Texas leading the nation with a net annual gain of 72,700 residents. On the other hand, California recorded the largest net loss at 254,332 people, almost double that of the next-ranked state, New York, with a net loss of 130,145 people annually.
The study revealed a unifying trend that every generation is leaving California, which posted the highest net migration across all age groups. High cost of living, along with recent wildfires, were cited as causes of leaving the state.
Arizona continues to solidify its status as a migration powerhouse, welcoming a net total of 55,160 new residents—equivalent to 151 people moving daily. The state saw 234,926 inflows against 179,766 outflows, driven largely by baby boomers and millennials.
- Baby Boomers (ages 60-74): Arizona ranks #2 nationally with a net gain of 13,476
- Millennials (ages 25-44): Net gain of 14,359
- Gen X (ages 45-59): Net gain of 8,001
- Gen Z (ages 18-24): Net gain of 7,695
- Silent Generation (75+) Net gain of 2,363
Florida dominates the retirement migration with a net gain of 37,924 baby boomers annually—the largest single age group migration in the country. Next is Gen X with a net gain of 22,555, signaling early retirement planning.
Younger generations are choosing different paths of migration, with Millennials flocking to Texas (+35,445 net) and Washington state (+18,959), and Gen Z moving to South Carolina (+15,925) and Washington, D.C. (+12,792 net).
The report points to cost of living, climate, tax policies, and job opportunities as primary motivators. Southern states like Texas, Florida, and South Carolina dominate due to affordability and warm weather, while high-cost states like California, New York, and Illinois see sustained outflows.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
