Who’s Moving To and From Idaho?
In the latest Census data (2022), Idaho gained about 31,887 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from California, and the largest number leaving head to Washington.
Top states moving into Idaho
- California 23,286
- Washington 16,634
- Oregon 7,213
- Utah 7,170
- Arizona 4,082
Where Idaho residents move
- Washington 11,348
- Utah 7,956
- Oregon 5,675
- California 4,039
- Arizona 3,573
Net interstate migration: +31,887 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 Idaho residents go: the biggest destinations are Washington, Utah and Oregon. The single largest stream runs to Washington — about 11,348 people in a year. In total, roughly 57,181 residents left Idaho for another state, versus about 89,068 who moved in.
Who moves to Idaho: the largest inbound flows come from California, Washington and Oregon, led by California with about 23,286 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: Idaho is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (0.0%–5.3%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from California 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 Idaho and Washington can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Idaho 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 Idaho?
- On net, no — Idaho gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 31,887 in 2022. The most people arrive from California.
- Which state do most people move to from Idaho?
- Washington is the top destination for people leaving Idaho, with about 11,348 moves in the latest year, followed by Utah and Oregon.
- Which states do people move to Idaho from?
- The largest inbound flows to Idaho come from California, Washington and Oregon, led by California with about 23,286 arrivals.