Texas is known for its big and booming cities, but not everyone is happy living there. According to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas had the largest net outflow of residents in 2023, with more than 300,000 people leaving the state. The report also revealed the top five cities that saw the most departures: Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Why are people leaving Texas?
There are many reasons why people are choosing to leave Texas, but some of the most common ones are:
High cost of living: Texas may have no income tax, but it has other expenses that can add up. The state has some of the highest property taxes, electricity bills, and gas prices in the country. Housing is also becoming more expensive, especially in the major cities, where the demand exceeds the supply.
Extreme weather: Texas is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, and tornadoes. In 2023, the state experienced a historic winter storm that left millions of people without power, water, and heat for days. The storm also caused billions of dollars in damage and claimed more than 200 lives.
Political and social issues: Texas is known for its conservative and traditional values, but not everyone agrees with them. The state has been at the center of several controversial policies and laws, such as the abortion ban, the voting restrictions, the border wall, and the mask mandate. These issues have created a polarized and tense environment for many residents, especially those who identify as liberal, progressive, or minority.
Where are people going?
The report by the U.S. Census Bureau also showed the top five states that received the most inflows of residents from Texas: Florida, California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia. These states offer some of the benefits that Texas lacks, such as:
Lower cost of living: Compared to Texas, these states have lower or similar costs of living, depending on the area. They also have lower or no property taxes, cheaper utilities, and more affordable housing options.
Milder weather: These states have more moderate and pleasant climates, with less risk of extreme weather events. They also have more natural beauty and diversity, such as beaches, mountains, forests, and lakes.
Political and social diversity: These states have more diverse and inclusive populations, cultures, and politics. They also have more progressive and liberal policies and laws, such as legalizing marijuana, expanding health care, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting immigration reform.
Conclusion
Texas is facing a mass exodus of residents, who are leaving the state for various reasons. The top five cities that saw the most departures are Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. The top five states that received the most inflows of residents from Texas are Florida, California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Georgia. These states offer some of the advantages that Texas lacks, such as lower cost of living, milder weather, and political and social diversity. Whether this trend will continue or reverse in the future remains to be seen, but for now, it seems that many Texans are looking for a change of scenery.