Who’s Moving To and From Missouri?
In the latest Census data (2022), Missouri gained about 4,831 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Kansas, and the largest number leaving head to Kansas.
Top states moving into Missouri
- Kansas 22,668
- Illinois 21,269
- California 10,547
- Texas 10,383
- Arkansas 6,890
Where Missouri residents move
- Kansas 24,149
- Illinois 14,268
- Texas 13,824
- Florida 10,096
- California 6,812
Net interstate migration: +4,831 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 Missouri residents go: the biggest destinations are Kansas, Illinois and Texas. The single largest stream runs to Kansas — about 24,149 people in a year. In total, roughly 149,380 residents left Missouri for another state, versus about 154,211 who moved in.
Who moves to Missouri: the largest inbound flows come from Kansas, Illinois and California, led by Kansas with about 22,668 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: Missouri is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (0.0%–4.7%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Kansas 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 Missouri and Kansas can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Missouri 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 Missouri?
- On net, no — Missouri gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 4,831 in 2022. The most people arrive from Kansas.
- Which state do most people move to from Missouri?
- Kansas is the top destination for people leaving Missouri, with about 24,149 moves in the latest year, followed by Illinois and Texas.
- Which states do people move to Missouri from?
- The largest inbound flows to Missouri come from Kansas, Illinois and California, led by Kansas with about 22,668 arrivals.