Who’s Moving To and From Arizona?
In the latest Census data (2022), Arizona gained about 79,559 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from California, and the largest number leaving head to California.
Top states moving into Arizona
- California 64,716
- Washington 19,239
- Texas 16,016
- Colorado 12,231
- Illinois 11,668
Where Arizona residents move
- California 28,556
- Texas 20,261
- Washington 10,065
- Colorado 9,732
- Florida 7,552
Net interstate migration: +79,559 more people moved in than out (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where Arizona residents go: the biggest destinations are California, Texas and Washington. The single largest stream runs to California — about 28,556 people in a year. In total, roughly 179,660 residents left Arizona for another state, versus about 259,219 who moved in.
Who moves to Arizona: the largest inbound flows come from California, Washington and Texas, led by California with about 64,716 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
The balance of moves in and out of Arizona is relatively close, so no single tax-or-cost story dominates. Jobs, family, housing, and remote-work flexibility all shape these corridors alongside the difference in taxes and prices between states.
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 Arizona and California can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Arizona 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 Arizona?
- On net, no — Arizona gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 79,559 in 2022. The most people arrive from California.
- Which state do most people move to from Arizona?
- California is the top destination for people leaving Arizona, with about 28,556 moves in the latest year, followed by Texas and Washington.
- Which states do people move to Arizona from?
- The largest inbound flows to Arizona come from California, Washington and Texas, led by California with about 64,716 arrivals.