Ed. note: Yesterday, Politico published an article that contained a link to one of this blog’s posts. Though I am grateful to have a globally recognized publication link to one of my blog posts, in this instance the link directed readers to a blog post originally published in January 2020.
The linked-to post, A closer look at Nevada’s and Washoe County’s inflow population migration, was a popular post for this blog at the time of publishing, however today the data presented in that post is now (at least) four years old.
Because I expect some Politico readers to click on the link in its article, I thought I’d publish an updated blog post containing the most recent data that I could obtain pertaining to the original post’s subject.
Enjoy the read, and Welcome Politico readers!
California Migration
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 1-Year State-to-State Migration Flows data, 122,219 people moved to Nevada from other U.S. states [during the July 2022 – July 2023 period].
The state from which the greatest number of new Nevada residents came was California—followed by Colorado and Arizona. [See the table below]
California’s nearly 42,000 residents who moved to Nevada last year accounted more than one-third of all the people who moved to Nevada from the other U.S. states and eclipsed any other state’s individual number of residents migrating to Nevada. In fact, California’s 34.4% of the total number of incoming Nevada residents is greater than the next seven states’ inflows combined!
Nevada Population
At the same time that 122,219 people from other U.S. states moved to Nevada [during the July 2022 – July 2023 period], 104,444 Nevadans moved out of Nevada to other states—resulting in a net migration inflow of 17,775 new residents.
That net inflow number increased the state’s population to 3,194,176—resulting in a year-over-year population increase of 0.5%.
As can be seen in the data below, Nevada’s population has consistently seen year-over-year increases for decades.
And here’s a fun fact: Nevada is currently the fifth-fastest-growing state in the United States.
Why Nevada?
I asked ChatGPT why people choose to relocate to Nevada, and it responded with…
People choose to relocate to Nevada for various reasons, some of which include:
- Tax Benefits: Nevada is attractive for its tax-friendly policies. It does not have a state income tax, which can be particularly appealing to those looking to maximize their earnings. Additionally, the state has relatively low property taxes and no inheritance or estate tax.
- Economic Opportunities: Nevada’s economy has diversified significantly beyond its traditional strongholds of gaming and tourism. There has been significant growth in technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing sectors, attracting new businesses and job seekers.
- Entertainment and Recreation: Known for its vibrant entertainment options, especially in cities like Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada offers a wide range of activities, from world-class shows and casinos to dining and shopping. The state also boasts beautiful landscapes for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating, particularly near Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Climate: Nevada offers a dry climate with lots of sunshine throughout the year, which is appealing to those looking to escape colder or more humid environments.
- Retirement Destination: The cost of living, pleasant climate, and good healthcare facilities make Nevada a popular choice among retirees.
- Location and Mobility: Nevada’s proximity to major West Coast cities and attractions while offering a lower cost of living compared to neighboring states like California is another draw.
These factors combined make Nevada an appealing place for individuals and families looking for new opportunities or a different lifestyle.
I have to say, I concur. Many of the above are the reasons I relocated here [from Chicago] nearly 20 years ago.
Next I asked ChatGPT why people choose to leave California and relocate to another state? It’s response was…
People choose to leave California and relocate to other states for various reasons, including:
- High Cost of Living: California is one of the most expensive states in the U.S., with high costs associated with housing, utilities, and taxes. Many people move to more affordable states where their money can go further.
- Tax Burden: California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the country, which can be a significant burden for many residents, especially high earners. States with lower or no state income tax can offer substantial financial relief.
- Housing Prices: The real estate market in many parts of California is prohibitively expensive, making homeownership difficult for many residents. This drives people to states where the housing market is more accessible.
- Quality of Life: Issues such as traffic congestion, pollution, and urban crowding can affect quality of life. Many people move to states with less density, better air quality, and more open spaces.
- Business Climate: Some business owners find the regulatory environment in California challenging and costly. Other states offer more business-friendly climates with lower regulations and taxes, which can be attractive for business relocation and growth.
- Climate and Natural Disasters: California’s climate, while appealing to many, comes with the risk of wildfires, earthquakes, and droughts. Some residents choose to relocate to areas with fewer natural disaster risks.
- Political Climate: The political environment in California is distinctly progressive. Those with differing political views may prefer states with a political climate that aligns more closely with their own ideologies.
- Retirement: Retirees often move out of California to states where their retirement savings will last longer due to lower costs of living and taxes.
Remote Work Flexibility: With the rise of remote work, many individuals are taking the opportunity to move to places that offer a better balance of lifestyle and cost without being tied to job locations.These factors combined make other states appealing to Californians looking for a change in lifestyle, economic relief, or new opportunities.
Eek! No wonder!!
Yes, yes, I realize that I could have also asked “Why do people relocate to California?”, and “Why do people relocate from Nevada?”
So, in an effort to have Chat GPT provide a more objective comparison, I asked ChatGPT to: “Compare California to Nevada across the following categories: Tax Burden; Cost of Living; Economy; Housing Costs; Climate; Retirement; Recreation; Political Climate. Please provide the data in a table format.” It responded with…
Both states offer unique advantages depending on personal circumstances and preferences. Nevada’s lower cost of living and favorable tax environment make it particularly attractive for businesses and individuals looking to maximize their income potential. In contrast, California offers unmatched economic opportunities and lifestyle amenities despite its higher cost of living and tax burden.
As we continue to witness shifts in population dynamics, Nevada’s rise as a favored destination underscores a broader narrative of economic and lifestyle reevaluation. For those contemplating a move, Nevada’s allure, accentuated by its favorable tax policies and burgeoning economic opportunities, offers a compelling alternative to the high costs of California living.
