Large, prosperous cities are Texas’s hallmark, yet not everyone is content to call these places home. Over 300,000 individuals left Texas in 2023, making it the state with the highest net outflow of citizens, according to a new study from the U.S. Census Bureau. The top five cities with the highest number of departures were also disclosed in the report: Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Why are people leaving Texas?
People are leaving Texas for a variety of reasons, but the following are some of the most frequent ones:
High cost of living: Although Texas does not impose income tax, there are still additional costs that might mount up. Property taxes, power costs, and petrol prices in the state are among the highest in the nation. Additionally, housing is getting more expensive, particularly in large cities where there is a shortage of housing.
Severe weather: Texas is vulnerable to tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires. Millions of residents in the state were left without heat, power, or water for several days after a severe winter storm that struck in 2023. In addition to causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage, the storm also killed over 200 people.
Political and social issues: Traditional and conservative views are well-known in Texas, but not everyone shares them. The state is at the center of a number of contentious laws and regulations, including the mask mandate, voting restrictions, border wall, and abortion ban. A divided and angry atmosphere has resulted from these issues for many locals, particularly those who identify as liberal, progressive, or members of a minority group.
Where are people going?
The top five states where Texas citizens moved to were Florida, California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia, according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau. Some advantages that Texas does not have are provided by these states, including:
Reduced cost of living: Depending on the locality, these states have lower or comparable costs of living to Texas. They also have more affordable housing alternatives, cheaper utilities, and property taxes that are either nothing or very low.
Milder weather: There is a lower chance of extreme weather events in these states, which have more pleasant, moderate climates. They also have more diverse and beautiful natural features, like lakes, mountains, forests, and beaches.
Political and social diversity: The people, customs, and political systems of these states are more inclusive and varied. In addition, they have more liberal and progressive laws and policies, such as those that promote immigration reform, legalize marijuana, increase access to healthcare, and defend the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Conclusion
There is a significant exodus of Texans from the state for a variety of reasons. Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth are the top five cities with the highest number of departures. Texas citizens have migrated to the following five states in the highest numbers: Florida, California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia. Some of the benefits Texas does not have are available in these states: less cost of living, milder climates, and a more diverse political and social landscape. It remains to be seen if this trend will continue or reverse, but for the time being it appears that many Texans are seeking a change of scenery.
