CostByState

Who’s Moving To and From Delaware?

In the latest Census data (2022), Delaware gained about 7,314 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Pennsylvania, and the largest number leaving head to Pennsylvania.

Where Delaware residents move — top destinations moves per year Pennsylvania 6,863 Maryland 5,687 Florida 3,633 New Jersey 1,850 North Carolina 1,394
US Census ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · chart: CostByState

Top states moving into Delaware

Where Delaware residents move

Net interstate migration: +7,314 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 Delaware residents go: the biggest destinations are Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. The single largest stream runs to Pennsylvania — about 6,863 people in a year. In total, roughly 31,042 residents left Delaware for another state, versus about 38,356 who moved in.

Who moves to Delaware: the largest inbound flows come from Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, led by Pennsylvania with about 10,760 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 Delaware 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 Delaware and Pennsylvania can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.

Compare Delaware 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 Delaware?
On net, no — Delaware gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 7,314 in 2022. The most people arrive from Pennsylvania.
Which state do most people move to from Delaware?
Pennsylvania is the top destination for people leaving Delaware, with about 6,863 moves in the latest year, followed by Maryland and Florida.
Which states do people move to Delaware from?
The largest inbound flows to Delaware come from Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, led by Pennsylvania with about 10,760 arrivals.