Who’s Moving To and From Wisconsin?
In the latest Census data (2022), Wisconsin gained about 4,928 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Illinois, and the largest number leaving head to Minnesota.
Top states moving into Wisconsin
- Illinois 24,896
- Minnesota 19,878
- California 6,588
- Michigan 5,641
- Texas 5,231
Net interstate migration: +4,928 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 Wisconsin residents go: the biggest destinations are Minnesota, Illinois and Florida. The single largest stream runs to Minnesota — about 16,686 people in a year. In total, roughly 107,636 residents left Wisconsin for another state, versus about 112,564 who moved in.
Who moves to Wisconsin: the largest inbound flows come from Illinois, Minnesota and California, led by Illinois with about 24,896 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: Wisconsin is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (3.5%–7.6%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Illinois 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 Wisconsin and Minnesota can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
- On net, no — Wisconsin gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 4,928 in 2022. The most people arrive from Illinois.
- Which state do most people move to from Wisconsin?
- Minnesota is the top destination for people leaving Wisconsin, with about 16,686 moves in the latest year, followed by Illinois and Florida.
- Which states do people move to Wisconsin from?
- The largest inbound flows to Wisconsin come from Illinois, Minnesota and California, led by Illinois with about 24,896 arrivals.