Full Breakdown
Southern States Attract Most New Residents in 2023, IRS Data Shows
5/7/2026, 9:25:50 PM
Core Migration Findings
Internal migration data for 2023 indicate that Texas and Florida received the highest absolute numbers of new residents, while South Carolina experienced the fastest per-capita growth. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recorded 56,473 new tax filers in Texas and 55,349 in Florida. South Carolina added 59,000 residents from other states, representing just over 1 % of its population, and welcomed more than 29,000 new tax filers. In contrast, California and New York each saw substantial outflows, losing over 100,000 tax filers and nearly 72,000 tax filers respectively. South Carolina’s increase of just over 1 % of its population represents the highest per-capita influx among all states.
Historical Context of Domestic Relocation
The 2023 figures continue a broader pattern of population movement toward the Southern United States. Analysts attribute the trend to lower tax rates, expanding job markets, and perceived higher quality of life in states such as Texas, Florida, and South Carolina. The report indicates that movers cite lower taxes, more jobs, and higher quality of life as primary motivations for relocating. The IRS data, which track changes in tax-filing addresses, provide a quantitative snapshot of this shift, confirming anecdotal reports of “capital flight” from traditionally high-cost states.
Key Migration Statistics
- South Carolina: 59,000 inbound residents (2022-2023), 29,000 new tax filers, ? $4.1 billion in additional reported income.
- Texas: 56,473 new tax filers in 2023.
- Florida: 55,349 new tax filers in 2023.
- California: loss of >100,000 tax filers, corresponding income decline of nearly $12 billion.
- New York: loss of ? 72,000 tax filers, income decline of about $10 billion.
These figures capture both population and fiscal shifts, illustrating a redistribution of taxable income across state lines.
Economic Implications
The influx of residents and associated income is expected to bolster local economies in receiving states. New tax filers expand the tax base, contributing additional revenue without raising rates. The added spending power may support job growth in sectors experiencing labor shortages. South Carolina’s influx added roughly $4.1 billion in reported income, while Texas and Florida each attracted over 55,000 new filers. Conversely, the outflows from California and New York reduce their tax bases and are associated with income losses of nearly $12 billion and $10 billion respectively.
Official Data Release and Methodology
The IRS released migration data based on tax filings that compare address changes between the 2022 and 2023 tax years. The figures are aggregated at the state level and distinguish inbound from outbound filers while summarizing associated reported income. By tracking filing activity rather than conducting a full census, the data provide a reliable proxy for interstate migration trends during the one-year window.
