Thousands of Idahoans are moving to these 5 states. (We could be more adventurous.)
We often report on rankings and statistics that put Boise and Idaho in a positive light, such as how Idaho is ranked as one of the most beautiful states to live in.
Or how Boise was the fourth-best state capital to live in in 2022.
We’ve even reported that the Gem State is a top 10 state to drive in based on traffic, infrastructure and safety.
Idaho is a destination state. In fact, Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the nation. Between 2020 and 2021, Idaho saw a population increase of 53,151 people, a 2.9% increase. That trumped second-place Utah and Montana, which each saw 1.7% growth.
But some people do leave. Where do they go? A new study from Forbes Home used data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine state-to-state migration rates.
The most recent data provided by the Census Bureau dates to 2019 as part of the American Community Survey, which helps leaders and business owners understand the changes taking place in their community.
According to the survey, here are the top five states that Idahoans are moving to:
Washington. Nearly 12,600 residents made the quick hop to the Evergreen State. Unfortunately for them, Washington’s roads aren’t ranked as highly as Idaho’s.
Utah. More than 6,700 Idahoans moved to the Beehive State. They were among the 56,291 who moved from other states nationwide.
Oregon. Oregon shares its entire eastern border with Idaho and is just a short one-hour drive from Boise, so it’s no surprise 6,623 Idahoans moved there.
California. Idahoans have mixed feelings about Californians, and it’s in large part to the mass migration of them to the Gem State. In 2019, the largest share of migrants from other states into Idaho came from California, with 17,772 people making the move. But 4,372 Idahoans went the other way and found homes in the Golden State.
Arizona. The Grand Canyon State also saw a boom in population between 2020 and 2021, with a 1.4% population increase, the fourth-highest in the nation. Idahoans are jumping on the bandwagon, with 2,961 moving there in 2019.
This story was originally published February 23, 2023 at 1:06 PM.
