Who’s Moving To and From Nebraska?
In the latest Census data (2022), Nebraska lost about 8,967 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Iowa than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Iowa.
Top states moving into Nebraska
- Iowa 6,548
- Texas 3,919
- Colorado 3,657
- California 3,595
- Kansas 2,938
Where Nebraska residents move
- Iowa 7,568
- Texas 4,872
- Colorado 3,867
- California 3,535
- Kansas 3,043
Net interstate migration: -8,967 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 Nebraska residents go: the biggest destinations are Iowa, Texas and Colorado. The single largest stream runs to Iowa — about 7,568 people in a year. In total, roughly 55,051 residents left Nebraska for another state, versus about 46,084 who moved in.
Who moves to Nebraska: the largest inbound flows come from Iowa, Texas and Colorado, led by Iowa with about 6,548 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: Nebraska'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 (2.5%–4.5%), 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 Nebraska and Iowa can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
- On net, yes — Nebraska loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 8,967 in 2022. The most leave for Iowa.
- Which state do most people move to from Nebraska?
- Iowa is the top destination for people leaving Nebraska, with about 7,568 moves in the latest year, followed by Texas and Colorado.
- Which states do people move to Nebraska from?
- The largest inbound flows to Nebraska come from Iowa, Texas and Colorado, led by Iowa with about 6,548 arrivals.