Who’s Moving To and From Iowa?
In the latest Census data (2022), Iowa gained about 783 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Illinois, and the largest number leaving head to Illinois.
Top states moving into Iowa
- Illinois 12,944
- Nebraska 7,568
- Minnesota 6,457
- California 4,421
- Wisconsin 4,252
Net interstate migration: +783 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 Iowa residents go: the biggest destinations are Illinois, Nebraska and Minnesota. The single largest stream runs to Illinois — about 8,539 people in a year. In total, roughly 72,366 residents left Iowa for another state, versus about 73,149 who moved in.
Who moves to Iowa: the largest inbound flows come from Illinois, Nebraska and Minnesota, led by Illinois with about 12,944 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: Iowa is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (3.80% flat) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Illinois 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 Iowa and Illinois can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Iowa 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 Iowa?
- On net, no — Iowa gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 783 in 2022. The most people arrive from Illinois.
- Which state do most people move to from Iowa?
- Illinois is the top destination for people leaving Iowa, with about 8,539 moves in the latest year, followed by Nebraska and Minnesota.
- Which states do people move to Iowa from?
- The largest inbound flows to Iowa come from Illinois, Nebraska and Minnesota, led by Illinois with about 12,944 arrivals.