California Faces Record Exodus as U-Haul Reports Rising Out-Migration

UPDATE: California is experiencing a significant out-migration crisis, as confirmed by the latest U-Haul report released on October 15, 2023. For the sixth consecutive year, California has topped the charts for the highest number of residents leaving the state, with many relocating to warmer destinations like Texas and Florida.

The U-Haul “Growth Index” indicates a growing trend of residents packing their belongings into moving trucks and heading to states with Republican leadership. According to the report, Texas and Florida emerged as the top destinations for movers, with Texas leading for the seventh time in the past decade.

WHY IT MATTERS: This mass exodus is reshaping the demographic landscape of the United States and highlights the ongoing economic and political divides between states. The report suggests that tax policies and governance issues are significant factors driving this migration trend.

In 2023, California lost approximately 216,000 residents to out-migration, according to the latest census data. The state had a net loss of residents compared to incoming movers, with nearly 140,000 leaving the previous year. Despite some reports indicating a slight population growth, experts assert that California would have experienced a greater decline without new births and international arrivals.

U-Haul’s president, John “J.T.” Taylor, stated that life changes—such as marriage, job relocations, and family needs—are the primary reasons for these moves. However, he also noted a notable shift toward “blue-to-red state migration.” The data shows that seven of the top ten growth states have Republican governors, while nine of the bottom ten are led by Democrats.

As Ben Shapiro, a prominent conservative commentator, noted when relocating from California to Tennessee, “Terrible governance has consequences.” His move epitomizes the trend of high-profile individuals opting for states with less progressive policies, further influencing public perception and migration patterns.

The U-Haul report aligns with findings from the Tax Foundation, which revealed that high-tax states are losing residents, while low-tax states are seeing population increases. Analysts attribute this migration to families seeking more favorable economic conditions and educational environments.

While California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has previously highlighted slight increases in population, critics argue that these figures mask the reality of ongoing out-migration. Reports indicate that California’s population grew by just 19,200 people between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025—a mere 0.05% increase, insufficient to offset the number of residents leaving.

This trend is not isolated to California; states like Ohio are also feeling the impact. Ohio plummeted 29 places in U-Haul’s rankings, indicating a broader national trend of declining population in certain regions.

WHAT’S NEXT: As this migration trend continues, states like Texas and Florida are likely to remain attractive destinations for those seeking economic opportunities and lifestyle changes. The implications of these shifts extend beyond mere statistics, as they affect local economies, education systems, and social landscapes.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as experts continue to analyze the reasons behind this migration and its long-term effects on both California and the states gaining new residents.