Who’s Moving To and From Virginia?
In the latest Census data (2022), Virginia lost about 4,878 more residents to other states than it gained — a net outflow. More people leave for Florida than arrive from anywhere else, and the largest inbound stream comes from Maryland.
Top states moving into Virginia
- Maryland 26,550
- North Carolina 24,509
- Florida 22,734
- California 20,338
- New York 16,045
Where Virginia residents move
- Florida 29,657
- North Carolina 29,264
- Maryland 24,629
- California 18,220
- Texas 17,064
Net interstate migration: -4,878 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 Virginia residents go: the biggest destinations are Florida, North Carolina and Maryland. The single largest stream runs to Florida — about 29,657 people in a year. In total, roughly 257,170 residents left Virginia for another state, versus about 252,292 who moved in.
Who moves to Virginia: the largest inbound flows come from Maryland, North Carolina and Florida, led by Maryland with about 26,550 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: Virginia'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 (2.0%–5.8%), 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 Virginia and Maryland can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Virginia 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 Virginia?
- On net, yes — Virginia loses more residents to other states than it gains, a net outflow of about 4,878 in 2022. The most leave for Florida.
- Which state do most people move to from Virginia?
- Florida is the top destination for people leaving Virginia, with about 29,657 moves in the latest year, followed by North Carolina and Maryland.
- Which states do people move to Virginia from?
- The largest inbound flows to Virginia come from Maryland, North Carolina and Florida, led by Maryland with about 26,550 arrivals.