California’s Gen Z Exodus: Texas Leads the Flight

A LendingTree analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows that Gen Z adults were the most mobile generation in 2024, with 23.9 % moving to a different state. California recorded the largest net loss of Gen Z residents—58,109 fewer than the previous year after 186,827 left and 128,718 arrived. Texas was the top destination, attracting 19,287 of those departing Californians and posting a net gain of 10,720 Gen Z residents overall. South Carolina followed with the biggest net increase at 22,843, while Missouri, Tennessee, Arizona and Washington also saw sizable inflows.

Newsweek

Experts attribute the outflow primarily to cost of living pressures.

Newsweek

The migration could reshape labor markets, housing demand and tax bases. California’s loss of entry-level workers may tighten its future workforce and reduce home-buyer demand, while Texas faces the opposite pressure: increased demand for roads, schools and utilities.

Newsweek

• “For Gen Z, relocating to states like Texas and South Carolina more than likely is about cost of living more than anything else,” — Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin

Newsweek

• “Moving isn’t a referendum on which state is ‘better,’” — Michael Ryan, finance expert and founder of MichaelRyanMoney

Newsweek

• “Plenty of young people are moving the other direction too. And you see the tradeoff in people who made the move. They’re financially more comfortable. But some discover they miss the weather, family, friends, culture or lifestyle they left behind.” — Michael Ryan, finance expert and founder of MichaelRyanMoney

Newsweek