Americans Flee Blue States for Red States in Record Numbers, New Study Finds

A new analysis reveals that the great American migration is accelerating — and it’s heading south and red.

A study conducted by the nonprofit research group Unleash Prosperity, based on the latest IRS and U.S. Census Bureau data, shows millions of Americans have been “voting with their feet,” leaving high-tax, heavily regulated Democrat-run states in favor of Republican-led states offering lower taxes, less government interference, and a higher quality of life, according to the Daily Signal.

“This is the most significant economic and demographic trend happening in America today,” economist Stephen Moore said during the launch of VoteWithYourFeet.net, an interactive tool that tracks U.S. migration patterns. “And it’s not slowing down—it’s accelerating.”

Top Gaining States: Red States Are Booming

According to the data, the states gaining the most people and income are largely Republican strongholds in the South and the West. These states have attracted both individuals and businesses seeking affordability, freedom, and opportunity.

Top 10 States Gaining Residents (Net Migration + Income Gains)

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Tennessee
4. North Carolina
5. South Carolina
6. Arizona
7. Georgia
8. Idaho
9. Nevada
10. Utah

Florida alone saw a net gain of over $36 billion in adjusted gross income in just one year, according to IRS migration data. Texas, another major destination, gained more than $12 billion.

Most of these states have no state income tax, pro-business policies, and lower housing costs compared to the coastal cities their new residents are fleeing.

Top Losing States: Blue States in Decline

In contrast, high-tax blue states with stringent regulations, high cost of living, and urban crime surges are suffering sharp population losses —along with their wealthiest taxpayers.

Top 10 States Losing Residents and Income

1. California
2. New York
3. Illinois
4. New Jersey
5. Massachusetts
6. Pennsylvania
7. Michigan
8. Maryland
9. Minnesota
10. Oregon

California lost nearly $25 billion in income in one year, while New York lost more than $20 billion — a continuation of a trend that has persisted for over a decade.

“These states are hemorrhaging taxpayers, jobs, and capital,” Moore said. “And their political leaders seem unwilling to acknowledge the reasons why.”

What’s Driving the Migration?

The exodus from blue to red states is being fueled by several major factors:

• Tax Burden: States like California, New York, and Illinois have some of the highest tax rates in the nation. Red states tend to have no or low income taxes and business-friendly environments.
• Cost of Living: Housing affordability is a key driver. Families can often get twice the home for half the price in Southern and interior states.
• Quality of Life: Red states have generally lower crime rates, better school choice options, and fewer lockdown restrictions.
• Remote Work: Post-pandemic, Americans are no longer tied to big city job markets, giving them the freedom to relocate to states that better align with their values and financial goals.

Political and Economic Implications

This shift is not only reshaping the U.S. economy, but also the political map. States gaining population are also gaining congressional representation and electoral votes, while those losing people are seeing their influence shrink.

“This trend is redefining American politics,” Moore said. “If it continues, we may see a long-term shift in where economic and political power resides.”

Moreover, the migration is reinforcing the growing contrast between two models of governance: one rooted in progressive taxation and regulation, and the other in economic freedom and limited government.

A Migration With Consequences

Critics in blue states argue that wealth flight could undermine public services and deepen inequality, while conservatives warn that migrants from liberal cities may bring their politics with them, threatening to shift red states purple.