Who’s Moving To and From New Jersey?
In the latest Census data (2022), New Jersey lost about 69,679 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Pennsylvania than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from New York.
Top states moving into New Jersey
- New York 71,075
- Pennsylvania 25,874
- Florida 9,924
- California 9,379
- North Carolina 4,977
Where New Jersey residents move
- Pennsylvania 43,179
- New York 36,210
- Florida 35,492
- North Carolina 12,704
- California 10,887
Net interstate migration: -69,679 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 New Jersey residents go: the biggest destinations are Pennsylvania, New York and Florida. The single largest stream runs to Pennsylvania — about 43,179 people in a year. In total, roughly 233,917 residents left New Jersey for another state, versus about 164,238 who moved in.
Who moves to New Jersey: the largest inbound flows come from New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, led by New York with about 71,075 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: New Jersey'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 (1.4%–10.8%) and an above-average cost of living, 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 New Jersey and New York can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
- On net, yes — New Jersey loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 69,679 in 2022. The most leave for Pennsylvania.
- Which state do most people move to from New Jersey?
- Pennsylvania is the top destination for people leaving New Jersey, with about 43,179 moves in the latest year, followed by New York and Florida.
- Which states do people move to New Jersey from?
- The largest inbound flows to New Jersey come from New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, led by New York with about 71,075 arrivals.