Who’s Moving To and From New Mexico?
In the latest Census data (2022), New Mexico lost about 576 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Texas than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Texas.
Top states moving into New Mexico
- Texas 15,465
- California 8,170
- Colorado 5,855
- Arizona 4,668
- Florida 2,890
Where New Mexico residents move
- Texas 16,810
- Arizona 6,438
- Colorado 6,037
- California 3,476
- Florida 2,684
Net interstate migration: -576 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 Mexico residents go: the biggest destinations are Texas, Arizona and Colorado. The single largest stream runs to Texas — about 16,810 people in a year. In total, roughly 64,190 residents left New Mexico for another state, versus about 63,614 who moved in.
Who moves to New Mexico: the largest inbound flows come from Texas, California and Colorado, led by Texas with about 15,465 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 Mexico'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 (1.5%–5.9%), 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 Mexico and Texas can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare New Mexico 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 Mexico?
- On net, yes — New Mexico loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 576 in 2022. The most leave for Texas.
- Which state do most people move to from New Mexico?
- Texas is the top destination for people leaving New Mexico, with about 16,810 moves in the latest year, followed by Arizona and Colorado.
- Which states do people move to New Mexico from?
- The largest inbound flows to New Mexico come from Texas, California and Colorado, led by Texas with about 15,465 arrivals.