Who’s Moving To and From North Dakota?
In the latest Census data (2022), North Dakota gained about 3,445 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Minnesota, and the largest number leaving head to Minnesota.
Top states moving into North Dakota
- Minnesota 13,141
- Texas 1,805
- South Dakota 1,706
- Montana 1,674
- California 1,300
Net interstate migration: +3,445 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 North Dakota residents go: the biggest destinations are Minnesota, Arizona and Montana. The single largest stream runs to Minnesota — about 10,177 people in a year. In total, roughly 30,836 residents left North Dakota for another state, versus about 34,281 who moved in.
Who moves to North Dakota: the largest inbound flows come from Minnesota, Texas and South Dakota, led by Minnesota with about 13,141 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: North Dakota is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (0.0%–2.5%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Minnesota 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 North Dakota and Minnesota can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
- On net, no — North Dakota gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 3,445 in 2022. The most people arrive from Minnesota.
- Which state do most people move to from North Dakota?
- Minnesota is the top destination for people leaving North Dakota, with about 10,177 moves in the latest year, followed by Arizona and Montana.
- Which states do people move to North Dakota from?
- The largest inbound flows to North Dakota come from Minnesota, Texas and South Dakota, led by Minnesota with about 13,141 arrivals.