Where Americans Are Actually Moving in 2026 (IRS Migration Data)

The IRS Statistics of Income (SOI) county-to-county migration database provides the most accurate picture of American population movements. Unlike Census estimates or moving truck data, SOI tracks actual tax filer addresses year-over-year. The 2020-2022 data reveals historic migration patterns reshaping American demographics.

The Big Winners: Florida and Texas Dominate

Based on IRS SOI data covering 81 major metropolitan areas, here are the biggest population winners and losers:

Largest Net Migration Gains (2020-2022):

1. Florida: +659,000 net migrants
2. Texas: +417,000 net migrants
3. North Carolina: +287,000 net migrants
4. Arizona: +234,000 net migrants
5. Tennessee: +198,000 net migrants

Largest Net Migration Losses:

1. California: -1,200,000 net migrants
2. New York: -567,000 net migrants
3. Illinois: -298,000 net migrants
4. New Jersey: -187,000 net migrants
5. Massachusetts: -145,000 net migrants

Explore the interactive migration map to see detailed flows between specific metro areas.

Metro-Level Migration Patterns

The county-to-county data reveals which specific metro areas are gaining and losing residents:

Top Metro Gainers:

• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach: +298,000
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: +276,000
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater: +189,000
• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale: +234,000
• Austin-Round Rock: +167,000

Top Metro Losers:

• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim: -456,000
• New York-Newark-Jersey City: -389,000
• San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward: -267,000
• Chicago-Naperville-Elgin: -198,000
• Boston-Cambridge-Newton: -145,000

Understanding the IRS Data

The IRS SOI migration data tracks tax filers who file returns in different states/counties in consecutive years. This methodology provides several advantages:

• Accuracy: Based on actual address changes, not surveys or estimates
• Income data: Shows not just population movement but income transfer between regions
• Geographic precision: County-level detail reveals intra-state migration patterns
• Timing: Filed with 12-18 month lag, providing verified historical data

However, the data has limitations: it excludes non-filers, reflects 2020-2022 patterns, and doesn't capture motivation or demographics beyond income.

"The 2020-2022 migration period represents the largest internal population movement since World War II — accelerated by remote work, housing costs, and tax policy."

Follow the Money: Income Migration

Migration isn't just about population — it's about economic transfer. High earners leaving expensive states create massive fiscal impacts:

States Gaining High-Income Taxpayers:

• Florida: Gained $39.2 billion in adjusted gross income
• Texas: Gained $22.8 billion in AGI
• Tennessee: Gained $11.4 billion in AGI
• North Carolina: Gained $9.7 billion in AGI

States Losing Income:

• California: Lost $47.1 billion in AGI
• New York: Lost $23.8 billion in AGI
• New Jersey: Lost $8.9 billion in AGI
• Illinois: Lost $7.2 billion in AGI

These numbers represent permanent tax base erosion for high-tax states and windfalls for business-friendly destinations.

Remote Work Revolution

The 2020-2022 period coincides with the remote work revolution. IRS data shows distinct patterns:

Tech Worker Migration Hotspots:

• Austin, TX: Major gain from Bay Area tech workers
• Miami, FL: Crypto and fintech boom destination
• Raleigh, NC: Research Triangle tech expansion
• Nashville, TN: Healthcare IT and startup scene

Traditional Migration Routes Accelerated:

• California to Texas: 167,000 net migrants
• New York to Florida: 145,000 net migrants
• Illinois to Florida: 89,000 net migrants
• California to Arizona: 78,000 net migrants

Regional Analysis: The Sunbelt Surge

Florida's Dominance: No state comes close to Florida's migration magnet effect. The combination of no state income tax, year-round warmth, and established infrastructure for retirees creates unmatched appeal. Miami leads in young professionals, Tampa in families, Jacksonville in corporate relocations.

Texas Triangle: Dallas-Houston-Austin forms a migration triangle capturing workers from across America. Energy jobs, tech opportunities, and business-friendly policies drive growth. San Antonio benefits from military and healthcare expansion.

Carolina Boom: North Carolina captures migration from both high-tax Northeast states and expensive West Coast metros. Raleigh's Research Triangle, Charlotte's banking hub, and Asheville's lifestyle appeal create diverse attractions.

Why People Are Moving

IRS data combined with surveys reveals migration motivations:

1. Housing Affordability (38%): Home prices in destination areas 40-60% lower
2. State Tax Policy (27%): Income tax savings of $5,000-15,000 annually
3. Remote Work Flexibility (23%): Geographic arbitrage enabled by work-from-home policies
4. Climate Preferences (18%): Escaping harsh winters or seeking year-round warmth
5. Family/Social (15%): Following family members or social networks

Interstate Migration Highways

Specific corridors dominate American migration:

California Exodus Routes:

• Bay Area → Austin, TX (28,000 net)
• Los Angeles → Phoenix, AZ (31,000 net)
• San Diego → Denver, CO (12,000 net)
• California → Boise, ID (15,000 net)

Northeast to Southeast:

• NYC → Miami, FL (45,000 net)
• Boston → Raleigh, NC (18,000 net)
• NJ → Tampa, FL (23,000 net)
• DC → Nashville, TN (14,000 net)

The Rust Belt Reversal

Surprisingly, several Rust Belt metros show stabilization or modest gains:

• Pittsburgh, PA: +8,000 net (healthcare and tech growth)
• Columbus, OH: +12,000 net (diverse economy, Ohio State)
• Indianapolis, IN: +6,000 net (logistics hub, affordability)

These cities benefit from extreme affordability, improved amenities, and corporate relocations seeking lower costs.

Looking Forward: 2024-2026 Trends

While official IRS data lags, early indicators suggest:

• Continued Sunbelt growth: Florida and Texas maintain momentum
• Midwest stabilization: Some Northern metros stemming outflows
• Return-to-office impacts: Corporate mandates may slow some migration
• Climate considerations: Extreme weather affecting destination choices

"The great American population reshuffle isn't slowing — it's becoming the new normal as location flexibility and tax arbitrage drive permanent demographic change."

Explore Migration Patterns

Whether you're considering a move or trying to understand demographic trends, migration data provides powerful insights. Use our interactive migration map to explore flows between specific metros, or compare cities you're considering for relocation.

The data shows Americans are voting with their feet — and their tax bills.

Data sourced from IRS Statistics of Income County-to-County Migration Data (2020-2022), U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates, and Bureau of Labor Statistics Metropolitan Statistical Area definitions. Analysis covers 81 major metropolitan areas with populations above 500,000.