Who’s Moving To and From Montana?
In the latest Census data (2022), Montana gained about 8,259 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Washington, and the largest number leaving head to Washington.
Top states moving into Montana
- Washington 5,106
- California 5,103
- Colorado 3,694
- Idaho 2,425
- Oregon 2,409
Where Montana residents move
- Washington 3,606
- Arizona 2,872
- Colorado 2,209
- California 2,152
- Oregon 2,038
Net interstate migration: +8,259 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 Montana residents go: the biggest destinations are Washington, Arizona and Colorado. The single largest stream runs to Washington — about 3,606 people in a year. In total, roughly 35,578 residents left Montana for another state, versus about 43,837 who moved in.
Who moves to Montana: the largest inbound flows come from Washington, California and Colorado, led by Washington with about 5,106 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: Montana is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (4.7%–5.7%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Washington 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 Montana and Washington can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Montana 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 Montana?
- On net, no — Montana gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 8,259 in 2022. The most people arrive from Washington.
- Which state do most people move to from Montana?
- Washington is the top destination for people leaving Montana, with about 3,606 moves in the latest year, followed by Arizona and Colorado.
- Which states do people move to Montana from?
- The largest inbound flows to Montana come from Washington, California and Colorado, led by Washington with about 5,106 arrivals.