CostByState

Who’s Moving To and From Michigan?

In the latest Census data (2022), Michigan lost about 14,458 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Florida than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Florida.

Where Michigan residents move — top destinations moves per year Florida 23,664 Ohio 13,032 Indiana 10,134 Illinois 9,547 Texas 9,326
US Census ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · chart: CostByState

Top states moving into Michigan

Where Michigan residents move

Net interstate migration: -14,458 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 Michigan residents go: the biggest destinations are Florida, Ohio and Indiana. The single largest stream runs to Florida — about 23,664 people in a year. In total, roughly 153,461 residents left Michigan for another state, versus about 139,003 who moved in.

Who moves to Michigan: the largest inbound flows come from Florida, Illinois and Indiana, led by Florida with about 13,015 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: Michigan'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 (4.25% flat), 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 Michigan and Florida can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.

Compare Michigan 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 Michigan?
On net, yes — Michigan loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 14,458 in 2022. The most leave for Florida.
Which state do most people move to from Michigan?
Florida is the top destination for people leaving Michigan, with about 23,664 moves in the latest year, followed by Ohio and Indiana.
Which states do people move to Michigan from?
The largest inbound flows to Michigan come from Florida, Illinois and Indiana, led by Florida with about 13,015 arrivals.