Who’s Moving To and From Mississippi?
In the latest Census data (2022), Mississippi lost about 2,547 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Tennessee than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Tennessee.
Top states moving into Mississippi
Net interstate migration: -2,547 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 Mississippi residents go: the biggest destinations are Tennessee, Texas and Alabama. The single largest stream runs to Tennessee — about 10,171 people in a year. In total, roughly 65,493 residents left Mississippi for another state, versus about 62,946 who moved in.
Who moves to Mississippi: the largest inbound flows come from Tennessee, Louisiana and Alabama, led by Tennessee with about 9,204 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: Mississippi'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 (0.0%–4.0%), 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 Mississippi and Tennessee can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
- On net, yes — Mississippi loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 2,547 in 2022. The most leave for Tennessee.
- Which state do most people move to from Mississippi?
- Tennessee is the top destination for people leaving Mississippi, with about 10,171 moves in the latest year, followed by Texas and Alabama.
- Which states do people move to Mississippi from?
- The largest inbound flows to Mississippi come from Tennessee, Louisiana and Alabama, led by Tennessee with about 9,204 arrivals.