Who’s Moving To and From Kentucky?
In the latest Census data (2022), Kentucky gained about 13,381 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Ohio, and the largest number leaving head to Ohio.
Top states moving into Kentucky
Net interstate migration: +13,381 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 Kentucky residents go: the biggest destinations are Ohio, Tennessee and Indiana. The single largest stream runs to Ohio — about 14,016 people in a year. In total, roughly 91,826 residents left Kentucky for another state, versus about 105,207 who moved in.
Who moves to Kentucky: the largest inbound flows come from Ohio, Tennessee and Indiana, led by Ohio with about 13,577 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: Kentucky is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (3.50% flat) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Ohio 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 Kentucky and Ohio can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
- On net, no — Kentucky gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 13,381 in 2022. The most people arrive from Ohio.
- Which state do most people move to from Kentucky?
- Ohio is the top destination for people leaving Kentucky, with about 14,016 moves in the latest year, followed by Tennessee and Indiana.
- Which states do people move to Kentucky from?
- The largest inbound flows to Kentucky come from Ohio, Tennessee and Indiana, led by Ohio with about 13,577 arrivals.