Who’s Moving To and From Washington?
In the latest Census data (2022), Washington gained about 6,595 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from California, and the largest number leaving head to California.
Top states moving into Washington
- California 53,495
- Oregon 29,578
- Texas 15,052
- Idaho 11,348
- Arizona 10,065
Where Washington residents move
- California 35,178
- Oregon 22,732
- Arizona 19,239
- Texas 18,497
- Idaho 16,634
Net interstate migration: +6,595 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 Washington residents go: the biggest destinations are California, Oregon and Arizona. The single largest stream runs to California — about 35,178 people in a year. In total, roughly 225,869 residents left Washington for another state, versus about 232,464 who moved in.
Who moves to Washington: the largest inbound flows come from California, Oregon and Texas, led by California with about 53,495 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: Washington is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — no state income tax let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from California 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 Washington and California can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Washington 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 Washington?
- On net, no — Washington gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 6,595 in 2022. The most people arrive from California.
- Which state do most people move to from Washington?
- California is the top destination for people leaving Washington, with about 35,178 moves in the latest year, followed by Oregon and Arizona.
- Which states do people move to Washington from?
- The largest inbound flows to Washington come from California, Oregon and Texas, led by California with about 53,495 arrivals.