Louisianans are Fleeing the State: Where are They Going & Why?

SHREVEPORT, LA - Louisiana is on another list and it's one we don't want to be on. We've heard all the talk about the growth all across the south and that is happening in many states. But in Louisiana we continue to lose residents.

The latest United Van Lines report on relocations shows the Bayou State is again one of the states losing people. The 2022 data shows Louisiana is number 9 on the list for people moving out. We were number 8 in 2021, so things are a little bit better. But no other states in the south are in the top 10. In fact, Alabama and South Carolina are two of the top 10 states people are moving to.

Who Is Moving?

This report shows many baby boomers are deciding to relocate to a place that is better for them. Some of them are saying "if not now, when?"
Folks who are 55 and older (which does include some older Gen Xers) account for more than half of the people packing up and moving to a different state.

Why Are We Moving?

In 2022, the report shows about 33% of those packing up and moving to another state are doing so for a job change or transfer. In 2019 nearly 50% of those making a move were doing so for a job.
This latest data shows job transfer-related moves are down more than 21% compared to 2015. That decline is because more Americans are now able to work from home.

But this report also shows about 32% are moving to be closer to family. For many this is children and grand children.

Another big reason for making a move has to do with money. Folks are moving to states where they can better afford to live. That's one of the reasons Alabama and South Carolina are attracting people.

Top 10 States Losing People:

1. New Jersey
2. Illinois
3. New York
4. Michigan
5. Wyoming
6. Pennsylvania
7. Massachusets
8. Nebraska
9. Louisiana
10. California

Top 10 States Gaining People:

1. Vermont
2. Oregon
3. Rhode Island
4. South Carolina
5. Delaware
6. North Carolina
7. District of Columbia
8. South Dakota
9. New Mexico
10. Alabama

I looked at this list and wondered why people are moving to Vermont. It's cold and has no big metropolitan area to speak of. But one of the reasons people are flocking to the Green Mountain State is because the state has made maternity and paternity leave mandatory for most businesses. Vermont also has a very low crime rate. Oregon attracts people because there is no sales tax on anything, even big ticket items.

Top 10 List of Cities Attracting the Most People?

Wilmington, NC
Bellingham, WA
Santa Fe, NM
Myrtle Beach, SC
Punta Gorda, FL
Flagstaff, AZ
Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
State College, PA
Eugene-Springfield, OR
Fort Myers-Cape Coral, FL

Many of these are coastal cities and a lot of people, baby boomers, in particular want to live near the beach.