The Top Destinations for Californians Leaving the Golden State

Census data reveals that over 817,000 people left California in 2022, resulting in a net loss of around 342,000 residents. Texas remained the top destination for Californians, followed by Arizona, Florida, Washington, Nevada, and Oregon. The high cost of housing in California is cited as a major factor driving the exodus, particularly among young and immigrant families. Despite the outflow, California remains the most populous state in the U.S., with nearly 39 million residents.