CostByState

Who’s Moving To and From Kansas?

In the latest Census data (2022), Kansas gained about 3,432 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Missouri, and the largest number leaving head to Missouri.

Where Kansas residents move — top destinations moves per year Missouri 22,668 Texas 10,460 Colorado 6,190 Oklahoma 5,364 California 4,073
US Census ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · chart: CostByState

Top states moving into Kansas

Where Kansas residents move

Net interstate migration: +3,432 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 Kansas residents go: the biggest destinations are Missouri, Texas and Colorado. The single largest stream runs to Missouri — about 22,668 people in a year. In total, roughly 89,706 residents left Kansas for another state, versus about 93,138 who moved in.

Who moves to Kansas: the largest inbound flows come from Missouri, Texas and Colorado, led by Missouri with about 24,149 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: Kansas is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (5.2%–5.6%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Missouri 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 Kansas and Missouri can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.

Compare Kansas 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 Kansas?
On net, no — Kansas gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 3,432 in 2022. The most people arrive from Missouri.
Which state do most people move to from Kansas?
Missouri is the top destination for people leaving Kansas, with about 22,668 moves in the latest year, followed by Texas and Colorado.
Which states do people move to Kansas from?
The largest inbound flows to Kansas come from Missouri, Texas and Colorado, led by Missouri with about 24,149 arrivals.