Despite recent headlines about New Jersey’s population growth, the Garden State continues to see a significant number of residents packing up and heading elsewhere. The story of New Jersey’s migration patterns is complex, shaped by economic pressures, housing costs, and shifting lifestyle preferences. Here’s a closer look at where people are going-and why.
Outbound Migration: The Numbers
According to the 2024 Annual Migration Map from North American Van Lines, New Jersey ranked fourth in the nation for outbound migration, with a 56% outbound rate compared to a 44% inbound rate. This means more people are leaving the state than moving in, a trend that has persisted for several years.
While New Jersey’s overall population is growing-thanks largely to international immigration and natural increases-domestic out-migration remains a significant factor.
Why Are People Leaving?
The primary drivers for leaving New Jersey are familiar:
- High cost of living: New Jersey’s property taxes are among the highest in the nation, and housing affordability remains a challenge for many families.
- Rising mortgage rates: The cost of buying a home has surged, prompting residents to seek more affordable options elsewhere.
- Lifestyle changes: The pandemic and the shift toward remote or hybrid work have made relocating to less expensive, more spacious areas increasingly attractive.
Where Are They Going?
Recent migration data highlights several key destinations for former New Jerseyans:
- Southern States: Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina continue to be top choices, thanks to their affordable housing, lower taxes, and family-friendly communities. Cities like Greenville (SC), Charlotte (NC), and Nashville (TN) are especially popular.
- Texas: Dallas and other Texas cities are drawing newcomers with strong job markets and relatively low costs of living.
- Idaho and Georgia: These states have recently surged in popularity, with Idaho ranking as the top inbound state in 2024, overtaking traditional southern favorites.
The Rise of Exurban and Suburban Moves
Not everyone leaving New Jersey is crossing state lines. Many are relocating from urban cores to exurban and suburban areas, both within New Jersey and just across the border into eastern Pennsylvania. The Pocono counties of Pike and Monroe, for example, have seen dramatic growth as New Jerseyans seek more affordable, spacious living environments while remaining within commuting distance of the state’s job centers.
What’s Next?
While New Jersey’s overall population is projected to rise modestly through 2030, the trend of domestic out-migration is likely to persist as long as affordability remains a challenge. If mortgage rates decline or local policies address the cost of living, these patterns could shift.
“Affordability continues to drive interstate migration in 2024… Individuals and families are leaving high-cost cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle to settle in areas that provide affordable housing and lower living costs.”
Conclusion
New Jersey’s story is one of contrasts: record-high population numbers fueled by immigration and natural growth, but also a steady stream of residents seeking new opportunities in more affordable states. As economic conditions and housing markets evolve, so too will the migration patterns shaping the future of the Garden State.
Sources:-
[1] https://nchstats.com/new-jersey-population/
[2] https://www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2025/20250113_population_growth.shtml
[3] https://njbia.org/study-finds-nj-population-growth-due-mainly-to-immigration/
[4] https://www.njfuture.org/research-reports/moving-out/
[5] https://njbmagazine.com/njb-news-now/nj-ranks-fourth-in-outbound-migration-study-reveals/
[6] https://www.gov.je/StatisticsPerformance/Population/pages/populationprojections.aspx
[7] https://www.roi-nj.com/2025/02/18/politics/n-j-tops-9-5-million-in-population-and-other-key-stats-about-states-growth/
[8] https://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/moving-to-new-jersey.html