Who’s Moving To and From Arkansas?
In the latest Census data (2022), Arkansas gained about 8,983 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Texas, and the largest number leaving head to Texas.
Top states moving into Arkansas
- Texas 14,886
- Missouri 5,997
- California 5,935
- Oklahoma 5,607
- Tennessee 4,141
Net interstate migration: +8,983 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 Arkansas residents go: the biggest destinations are Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The single largest stream runs to Texas — about 14,173 people in a year. In total, roughly 62,743 residents left Arkansas for another state, versus about 71,726 who moved in.
Who moves to Arkansas: the largest inbound flows come from Texas, Missouri and California, led by Texas with about 14,886 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 come: Arkansas is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (0.0%–3.7%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Texas and other high-cost states are a large part of the story.
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 Arkansas and Texas can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
- On net, no — Arkansas gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 8,983 in 2022. The most people arrive from Texas.
- Which state do most people move to from Arkansas?
- Texas is the top destination for people leaving Arkansas, with about 14,173 moves in the latest year, followed by Missouri and Oklahoma.
- Which states do people move to Arkansas from?
- The largest inbound flows to Arkansas come from Texas, Missouri and California, led by Texas with about 14,886 arrivals.