Who’s Moving To and From Alaska?
In the latest Census data (2022), Alaska lost about 9,684 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Texas than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from California.
Top states moving into Alaska
- California 3,332
- Texas 3,023
- Washington 1,975
- Florida 1,642
- North Carolina 1,308
Where Alaska residents move
- Texas 3,220
- California 3,070
- Washington 3,001
- Florida 2,484
- Arizona 2,156
Net interstate migration: -9,684 more people left than arrived (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where Alaska residents go: the biggest destinations are Texas, California and Washington. The single largest stream runs to Texas — about 3,220 people in a year. In total, roughly 38,998 residents left Alaska for another state, versus about 29,314 who moved in.
Who moves to Alaska: the largest inbound flows come from California, Texas and Washington, led by California with about 3,332 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people leave: Alaska's outflow fits the national pattern of residents moving from higher-cost, higher-tax states toward cheaper, lower-tax ones. With no state income tax but a higher cost of living and an above-average cost of living, the math of moving can be worth a meaningful raise in purchasing power — which is exactly what many of the top destinations offer.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between Alaska and California can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Alaska with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving Alaska?
- On net, yes — Alaska loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 9,684 in 2022. The most leave for Texas.
- Which state do most people move to from Alaska?
- Texas is the top destination for people leaving Alaska, with about 3,220 moves in the latest year, followed by California and Washington.
- Which states do people move to Alaska from?
- The largest inbound flows to Alaska come from California, Texas and Washington, led by California with about 3,332 arrivals.