Who’s Moving To and From Maryland?
In the latest Census data (2022), Maryland lost about 37,697 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Virginia than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Virginia.
Top states moving into Maryland
- Virginia 24,629
- Pennsylvania 13,273
- New York 9,947
- Florida 9,310
- California 8,581
Where Maryland residents move
- Virginia 26,550
- Pennsylvania 20,676
- Florida 16,112
- North Carolina 11,795
- Texas 10,147
Net interstate migration: -37,697 more people left than arrived (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where Maryland residents go: the biggest destinations are Virginia, Pennsylvania and Florida. The single largest stream runs to Virginia — about 26,550 people in a year. In total, roughly 170,727 residents left Maryland for another state, versus about 133,030 who moved in.
Who moves to Maryland: the largest inbound flows come from Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York, led by Virginia with about 24,629 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 leave: Maryland's outflow fits the national pattern of residents moving from higher-cost, higher-tax states toward cheaper, lower-tax ones. With a state income tax (2.0%–6.5%) and an above-average cost of living, the math of moving can be worth a meaningful raise in purchasing power — which is exactly what many of the top destinations offer.
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 Maryland and Virginia can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Maryland 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 Maryland?
- On net, yes — Maryland loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 37,697 in 2022. The most leave for Virginia.
- Which state do most people move to from Maryland?
- Virginia is the top destination for people leaving Maryland, with about 26,550 moves in the latest year, followed by Pennsylvania and Florida.
- Which states do people move to Maryland from?
- The largest inbound flows to Maryland come from Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York, led by Virginia with about 24,629 arrivals.