California Exodus: Where People Are Moving

California has experienced years of domestic outmigration, with hundreds of thousands of residents moving to other states annually. Texas, Nevada and Arizona are among the most popular destinations, while thousands of people continue moving to California from elsewhere in the United States.

But how many people are leaving California, how many are moving in, and how much of this movement involves former residents returning home? 

Photo by Dina Badamshina on Unsplash

For residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, these questions are especially relevant. The 805 region of California offers coastal communities, outdoor recreation and access to major employment centers, but housing affordability and the cost of living remain important considerations for households deciding where to settle.

Here is a look at the latest available migration statistics, where Californians are moving, where new residents are coming from, and what the numbers reveal about the future of California's 805 region.

How Many People Have Left California in the Last 10 Years?

California has experienced negative net domestic migration for more than two decades. Net domestic migration measures the difference between people moving into California from other U.S. states and people moving from California to other states.

According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates, approximately 661,200 people moved from California to another state between 2023 and 2024. During the same period, approximately 406,900 people moved to California from elsewhere in the United States.

That resulted in a net domestic migration loss of approximately 254,300 people in one year.

Source: USAFacts, using U.S. Census Bureau data

These figures show the scale of California's interstate migration, but they do not establish the total number of unique people who have left the state over the last decade. People may move more than once, and annual estimates measure residential movement over a specific period rather than tracking individuals across 10 years.

California's overall population also changes through international migration, births and deaths. As a result, the number of people leaving for other states is not the same as the state's total population loss.

Where Are Californians Moving?

Texas, Nevada and Arizona were the three leading destinations for people moving out of California in 2024, according to Census Bureau migration estimates. Florida and Washington were also among the destinations receiving substantial numbers of former California residents.

Source: USAFacts, California interstate migration data. Figures are rounded estimates.

Texas, Nevada and Arizona together received approximately 182,900 people moving from California in 2024. These three states accounted for a substantial share of interstate departures, although California residents also relocated to many other destinations.

Texas

Texas has become a prominent destination for former California residents. The Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio metropolitan areas offer a range of employment opportunities and housing options.

Texas has no broad-based individual state income tax, which may appeal to some households and business owners. However, property taxes, insurance, transportation and housing costs vary considerably by location, so moving to Texas does not automatically guarantee lower overall expenses.

Nevada

Nevada is a practical option for some Californians because of its proximity to the Golden State. Las Vegas and surrounding Clark County communities attract people seeking different housing options, while Reno and northern Nevada offer other employment and lifestyle opportunities.

Nevada also has no broad-based individual state income tax. For Southern California residents, the ability to remain within driving distance of family and friends may be another consideration.

Arizona

Arizona attracts Californians to Phoenix, Tucson and surrounding communities. Employment opportunities, housing choices and a warm climate appeal to some households, although housing costs have increased in certain markets.

Heat, water availability, electricity bills and transportation expenses are also important considerations when comparing Arizona with California.

Washington and Florida

Washington attracts people seeking employment in technology, aerospace, healthcare and other industries. The Seattle metropolitan area offers a large employment market, while communities elsewhere in the state provide different housing and lifestyle options.

Florida appeals to some retirees, families and workers seeking opportunities in growing metropolitan areas such as Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville. Although Florida has no broad-based individual state income tax, insurance costs, housing expenses and exposure to severe weather can affect the overall cost of living.

These destinations offer different advantages, and migration decisions depend on individual circumstances rather than one universal reason for leaving California.

How Many People Are Moving to California?

While many residents are leaving California for other states, hundreds of thousands of people continue to move to California each year.

In 2024, approximately 406,900 people moved to California from elsewhere in the United States, according to Census Bureau estimates. That means California continued to attract substantial numbers of domestic newcomers even though more people moved out than moved in.

The leading states of origin for people moving to California included Texas, Arizona and Washington.

Source: USAFacts, using U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data. Figures are rounded estimates.

The movement between California and other states goes in both directions. Texas, Arizona and Nevada are important destinations for people leaving California, while Texas and Arizona are also among the leading sources of people moving into the state.

This two-way movement demonstrates why California's migration story is more complicated than a one-directional exodus.

How Many Former Californians Are Moving Back?

Some people who leave California eventually return, but the total number of former residents moving back cannot be determined from standard annual interstate migration figures alone.

The Census Bureau measures where people lived one year before the survey. Its standard migration estimates identify movement between states, but they do not establish whether someone previously lived in California before moving away and subsequently returned.

Consequently, the approximately 406,900 people who moved to California from other states in 2024 should not be described as 406,900 returning Californians. The figure includes both returning residents and people moving to California for the first time or relocating for other reasons.

Some returning residents may be motivated by family connections, employment, education, retirement plans or a renewed appreciation for California's communities and lifestyle. Others may return after discovering that housing, taxes or other living expenses in their destination state do not meet their expectations.

However, without a dataset that specifically tracks previous residence and subsequent return, it would be misleading to assign a precise number to the state's returning population.

The available data establishes that California continues to attract hundreds of thousands of interstate newcomers each year. It does not tell us exactly how many are former residents returning home.

Is California Losing Population Overall?

Not necessarily. A state can lose residents through domestic migration while still experiencing overall population growth.

According to the California Department of Finance, California's population reached approximately 39.53 million on July 1, 2025, an increase of approximately 19,200 people from the previous year.

The state recorded an estimated net domestic migration loss of approximately 216,000 people in the year ending July 1, 2025. International migration and natural population increase helped offset those losses.

Natural population increase refers to the difference between births and deaths. International migration measures movement between California and other countries, rather than between California and other U.S. states.

These figures illustrate why domestic migration and total population change must be considered separately. California can lose residents to other states while gaining enough people through other population changes to grow overall.

Source: California Department of Finance, Population Estimates and Components of Change, July 2020–2025.

What Is Happening in California's 805 Region?

Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties share a distinctive combination of coastal communities, outdoor recreation, agriculture, tourism, educational institutions and regional employment centers.

However, housing affordability is an important consideration across the Central Coast. The cost of buying or renting a home can influence whether residents remain in their communities, move elsewhere in California or relocate to another state.

County-level migration data offers a more localized perspective, but the available figures cover different years and use different methodologies. They should not be combined to create a single 10-year estimate for the entire 805 region.

Ventura County: Where Are Residents Moving?

Ventura County's location between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, along with its coastal communities, established neighborhoods and regional employment centers, makes it a distinctive part of Southern California.

Nevertheless, housing affordability and other living expenses can influence where residents choose to live. Some households move to other parts of California, while others relocate to states with different housing markets or employment opportunities.

A report from California Lutheran University's Center for Economic Research and Forecasting examined interstate outmigration from Ventura County using Census five-year American Community Survey data.

For its 2020 comparison, the report identified the following leading out-of-state destinations for Ventura County residents:

The report counted 16,151 interstate outmigration flows in its 2020 comparison, compared with 15,892 in 2010. These figures reflect the report's specific Census-based methodology and historical comparison.

They are not current annual totals and do not include every move out of Ventura County, such as moves to other California counties.

Source: California Lutheran University, Ventura County Out-Migration Rankings.

Santa Barbara County: Housing Costs and Relocation

Santa Barbara County attracts residents with its coastline, outdoor recreation, universities, tourism industry and distinctive communities. At the same time, housing prices and rental costs can make it difficult for some households to remain in the area.

IRS migration data provides one way to examine movement into and out of the county. The figures are based on address changes reported on federal income tax returns and include tax filers and their dependents. They do not capture every person who changes residence.

For 2022–2023, county migration figures summarized by GeoStat.org indicate that approximately 11,761 people moved into Santa Barbara County from elsewhere in the United States, while approximately 15,252 moved out. That represents a net loss of approximately 3,491 people in the dataset.

These figures represent recorded migration rather than the county's total population change. They do not include all international migration or account for births and deaths.

Movement within the Central Coast is also important. Some residents leaving Santa Barbara County relocate to Ventura or San Luis Obispo counties, while others move to different parts of California or out of state.

Source: GeoStat.org, Santa Barbara County area migration data.

San Luis Obispo County: Are More People Moving In or Out?

San Luis Obispo County offers a mix of coastal communities, inland agricultural areas, outdoor recreation and educational institutions. These characteristics attract residents from elsewhere in California and across the country.

Housing affordability remains an important consideration, however, and can influence whether residents stay in the area or seek different housing options elsewhere.

IRS migration data summarized by GeoStat.org for 2022–2023 indicates that approximately 10,041 people moved into San Luis Obispo County from elsewhere in the United States, while approximately 9,871 moved out. That represents a modest net gain of approximately 170 people in the dataset.

The relatively small difference between arrivals and departures illustrates why gross migration and net migration are different measures. Thousands of people can move into and out of a county even when the net difference is small.

Movement between San Luis Obispo and neighboring counties also affects local migration totals. Someone moving from Santa Barbara County to San Luis Obispo County changes the population distribution within the Central Coast without leaving California.

These IRS-based figures provide a snapshot of recorded migration for the specified period, not a comprehensive measure of the county's overall population growth or decline.

Source: GeoStat.org, San Luis Obispo County area migration data.

How Many People Have Left the Entire 805 Region in 10 Years?

A definitive 10-year total for people leaving Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties cannot be established by adding together the statistics presented above. The figures cover different periods, use different methodologies and may count different types of residential moves.

It is also important to distinguish between leaving a county, leaving the 805 region and leaving California.

For example, a person moving from Ventura County to San Luis Obispo County has left one county but remains in the 805 region. Someone moving from Santa Barbara County to Los Angeles County has left the 805 region but remains in California. A person moving from Ventura County to Texas contributes to interstate outmigration from both Ventura County and California.

A reliable decade-long estimate would require consistent county-level migration data for all three counties over the same 10-year period, distinguishing moves within California from moves to other states.

The available statistics nevertheless provide useful historical context. Ventura County's cited report documents interstate outmigration patterns in 2010 and 2020, while the cited IRS-based figures provide a more recent snapshot for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

For readers interested in examining migration flows, the IRS publishes county-to-county and state-to-state records through its Statistics of Income migration data program.

Why Are People Leaving California?

There is no single reason people leave California. Decisions about where to live are shaped by household finances, employment, family circumstances, retirement plans and personal preferences. Several factors commonly enter the discussion.

Housing affordability

Housing costs can be a major burden for California households. Expensive homes and rents may make it difficult for first-time buyers, young families and workers to remain in their preferred communities.

In the 805 region, residents may weigh the benefits of coastal living against the cost of housing, commuting and other expenses. Some move to less expensive communities elsewhere in California, while others consider relocating to another state.

Cost of living

Housing is only one component of household expenses. Transportation, insurance, utilities, childcare and everyday necessities also influence how far a paycheck goes.

Some households move to areas where they expect their income to go further. However, lower housing prices may be offset by other expenses, and the financial benefit depends on the destination and individual circumstances.

Employment and remote work

Employment opportunities can encourage people to move in either direction. Some Californians relocate to pursue jobs elsewhere, while workers from other states move to California for employment, education or career advancement.

Remote work has also given some employees greater flexibility in choosing where to live. Its effect on migration varies by occupation, employer and the need to commute to a physical workplace.

Taxes and retirement planning

State income taxes, property taxes and retirement considerations can influence relocation decisions. Texas, Nevada and Florida do not impose a broad-based individual state income tax, although other taxes and living expenses should also be considered.

Tax policy is only one part of the decision. Housing, insurance, healthcare, transportation and access to services can all affect a household's overall financial situation.

Family and lifestyle

People also move to be closer to family, retire, pursue educational opportunities or enjoy a different climate and lifestyle. These motivations are not always financial.

For some former Californians, moving is a way to reduce expenses. For others, it reflects a change in career, family circumstances or personal priorities.

What California's Migration Trends Mean for the 805

California's domestic migration losses are significant, but they do not tell the entire story of the state or the Central Coast.

For residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, housing affordability remains an important issue. Housing costs can influence whether younger adults establish themselves locally, whether families can purchase homes and whether retirees remain in the communities where they have lived for years.

At the same time, the 805 region offers characteristics that continue to attract residents, including coastal access, outdoor recreation, established communities and proximity to major Southern California employment centers.

Migration within the region also matters. A household moving from Santa Barbara County to San Luis Obispo County changes both counties' migration totals but does not represent a loss for California as a whole.

Understanding these distinctions helps put statewide headlines into perspective. The future of the 805 depends not only on how many people leave, but also on how many move in, where they settle and whether local communities can maintain housing options and economic opportunities for residents at different stages of life.

The Bottom Line: Where Are Californians Going?

U.S. Census Bureau estimates indicate that approximately 661,200 people moved from California to other states in 2024, while approximately 406,900 moved to California from elsewhere in the country. The resulting net domestic migration loss was approximately 254,300 people.

Texas, Nevada and Arizona were the leading destinations for people leaving California, while Texas, Arizona and Washington were among the leading states of origin for people moving to California.

These arrivals include both newcomers and potentially returning former residents. However, the standard Census migration figures do not identify exactly how many people previously lived in California and later moved back.

For the 805 region of California, available county-level statistics offer a snapshot of migration patterns, but a consistent 10-year total for Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties would require further analysis of comparable data.

For In 805 readers, the key takeaway is that California's migration story is more complicated than a simple exodus. People continue to move in both directions, and migration within the Central Coast also shapes local population patterns. Housing affordability, employment and lifestyle choices will remain important factors in determining how the 805 region evolves over the coming years.

Data Sources and Methodology

This article draws on publicly available migration and population information from the U.S. Census Bureau, USAFacts, the California Department of Finance, the Internal Revenue Service and California Lutheran University's Center for Economic Research and Forecasting.

• USAFacts: California interstate migration statistics
• California Department of Finance: Population estimates and components of change, July 2020–2025
• Internal Revenue Service: State-to-state and county-to-county migration data
• California Lutheran University: Ventura County outmigration rankings
• GeoStat.org: Santa Barbara County area migration data
• GeoStat.org: San Luis Obispo County area migration data

Migration statistics cover different time periods and use different definitions. Census Bureau estimates measure residential movement over a specified period, while IRS migration data are based on address changes reported on federal income tax returns and include tax filers and their dependents. Neither dataset captures every move. Figures are rounded where appropriate and should not be added together to calculate the number of unique people who left California or the 805 region over a decade.

The information in this article is based on publicly available data and sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication. Figures are estimates and may vary by source, year, and methodology; this article is for informational purposes only.

Published October 12, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)