More people are leaving California than any other state. Where are they moving?
Across every age group, more people are moving out of California than moving in, according to a new study from Retirement Living.
The retirement planning site found that the Golden State has the “highest negative net migration rate” among all generations.
“While there’s no shortage of reasons to relocate, no matter your age, it turns out that moving preferences may be impacted by when you were born,” the site said in the study, released Nov. 6.
“One thing unites every generation: They’re all leaving California,” Retirement Living said,
The study, titled “Where Each Generation Is Moving Across the U.S.,” breaks down where Americans of different age groups are heading next.
Here’s where people are moving:
How many residents did California lose?
Though people are relocating across the country, California tops the list of the states with the most moves.
According to data collected by Retirement Living, the Golden State had an inflow of 406,873 people and an outflow of 661,205, resulting in a net loss of roughly 254,332 residents.
“Cost of living may play a factor here, with California having one of the highest costs in the U.S.,” the site said. “Additionally, the destructive wildfires taking place in the state in recent years may provide an extra incentive to leave.”
Where are California residents moving?
People across the United States, including California residents, are migrating south.
Eight of the top 10 U.S. states gaining residents are in the South, along with Arizona and Nevada.
“Perhaps the low cost of living is a draw, with states like Texas, Florida and South Carolina boasting some of the most affordable cities in the country, including El Paso, Texas, and Tallahassee and Fort Myers in Florida,” Retirement Living said.
Texas saw the largest inflow, gaining 556,156 people while losing 483,476, for a net increase of about 72,680 residents.
Where are different generations moving to and from?
Seniors in the United States — baby boomers, defined as those age 60 to 74, and the Silent Generation, defined as 75 and older — are largely relocating to Southern states, according to Retirement Living.
Many seniors leave costly states — especially California — to make their retirement savings stretch further, be closer to family or access better health care, the site said.
While California experienced the biggest loss of seniors, Florida saw the largest gain.
Where is Generation X relocating?
Many in Generation X — those between the ages of 45 and 59 — are also moving from California to Florida, the study found.
“While most in this generation aren’t retiring just yet, many seem to be putting down roots early,” Retirement Living said. “Whether it’s to be closer to family, secure a forever home or simply enjoy the warm climate, Gen X is choosing Florida before retirement officially begins.”
Where do millennials, Gen Z want to live?
Millennials and Generation Z are going against the Florida trend, according to Retirement Living.
Many millennials — those between the ages of 25 to 44 — are leaving California and heading to Texas, the study said.
Meanwhile, Gen Z — people ages 18 to 24 — is moving to South Carolina.
“Gen Z is drawn to the Palmetto State, perhaps for one major reason: getting a job,” Retirement Living said. “For Gen Zers who are just beginning their career, the state’s low unemployment rate — in addition to a job market growth rate that outpaces the national level — is likely a big draw.”
How did Retirement Living come up with its findings?
The Retirement Living research team used 2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau to see which states people are moving to and from.
The team calculated net migration by subtracting the number of people leaving a state from the number moving in.
To look at trends by age, they divided the data into generations:
- Generation Z: Ages 18 to 24
- Millennials: Ages 25 to 44
- Generation X: Ages 45 to 59
- Baby boomers: Ages 60 to 74
- Silent Generation: Ages 75 and older
The age ranges were adjusted to match common generational definitions as closely as possible.
This story was originally published November 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "More people are leaving California than any other state. Where are they moving?."
