Overview
- New research from the California Policy Lab and the Public Policy Institute of California identifies high housing costs as the top reason residents leave the state.
- Movers generally gain affordability, with typical destination home values about 48% lower and average monthly housing costs down roughly $675.
- Those who depart are more likely to become homeowners within seven years than similar Californians who stay.
- Most relocations are to nearby states, and Nevada takes the most per capita at about 226 arrivals per 10,000 residents.
- Researchers warn that sustained outflows could shrink the tax base and may cost California congressional seats after 2030 if the pattern holds.