Who’s Moving To and From Minnesota?
In the latest Census data (2022), Minnesota lost about 17,711 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Wisconsin than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Wisconsin.
Top states moving into Minnesota
- Wisconsin 16,686
- North Dakota 10,177
- Illinois 7,309
- California 6,143
- Iowa 5,378
Where Minnesota residents move
- Wisconsin 19,878
- North Dakota 13,141
- Florida 8,584
- Texas 7,443
- Arizona 7,383
Net interstate migration: -17,711 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 Minnesota residents go: the biggest destinations are Wisconsin, North Dakota and Florida. The single largest stream runs to Wisconsin — about 19,878 people in a year. In total, roughly 122,972 residents left Minnesota for another state, versus about 105,261 who moved in.
Who moves to Minnesota: the largest inbound flows come from Wisconsin, North Dakota and Illinois, led by Wisconsin with about 16,686 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: Minnesota'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 (5.3%–9.8%), 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 Minnesota and Wisconsin can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
- On net, yes — Minnesota loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 17,711 in 2022. The most leave for Wisconsin.
- Which state do most people move to from Minnesota?
- Wisconsin is the top destination for people leaving Minnesota, with about 19,878 moves in the latest year, followed by North Dakota and Florida.
- Which states do people move to Minnesota from?
- The largest inbound flows to Minnesota come from Wisconsin, North Dakota and Illinois, led by Wisconsin with about 16,686 arrivals.