According to data from United Van Lines and the US Census Bureau, Connecticut’s population has significantly decreased in the last several years. About 60% of moves involving Connecticut between 2021 and 2022 were outbound, suggesting that more individuals are moving out of the state than are moving in. Notable are the causes of this trend as well as the final destinations of these citizens who are leaving.
Why Connecticut Residents are Moving Away:
The choice to relocate from Connecticut is influenced by a number of circumstances, such as:
Cost of living: With its high taxes, housing costs, and energy bills, Connecticut is one of the most expensive states to live in. The median home value in the state is $284,000, which is more than the $217,500 national average. At 2.07 percent, Connecticut also has the third-highest property tax rate in the nation.
Economy and employment: As the state struggles to recover from the Great Recession, Connecticut has seen a loss of jobs in the manufacturing and banking industries. The state’s unemployment rate as of December 2023 was 5.8%, higher than the 4.2 percent national average. Notable companies including Pfizer, Aetna, and General Electric have also downsized or relocated.
Weather and climate: People, especially seniors, may choose to move to areas with milder climates due to Connecticut’s humid continental climate, which is marked by chilly winters and hot summers with the possibility of snowstorms, hurricanes, and nor easters.
For personal reasons: People may move out of Connecticut to be nearer to friends and family or to take advantage of new opportunities, experiences, or lifestyles. Some only want a new beginning or a change of environment.
Where Connecticut Residents are Moving:
United Van Lines reports that in 2021, the following were the main places that residents of Connecticut went after leaving:
- Florida (17.5 percent)
- North Carolina (10.9 percent)
- South Carolina (8.6 percent)
- Texas (7.9 percent)
- Georgia (7.4 percent)
These states offer advantages over Connecticut, such as:
Reduced cost of living: States that draw people from Connecticut have less living costs, taxes, and housing costs. In Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, for example, the typical property values are $245,000, $193,000, and $195,000, respectively. While North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia have lower income tax rates than Connecticut, Florida and Texas do not levy income taxes.
Strong economies and plenty of job opportunities: States that draw people from Connecticut have more diversified and dynamic economies, with expanding sectors including energy, tourism, health care, and technology. These states have lower unemployment rates than Connecticut; in Texas, it is 3.2%, while in Georgia, it is 4.5%. In addition, they offer incentives and assistance to companies in the form of reduced corporation taxes, fewer rules, and better infrastructure.
Climate: Compared to Connecticut, the selected states have milder, warmer weather with more sunshine and less snowfall. Along with offering natural attractions like lakes, forests, mountains, and beaches, they are especially popular with retirees who want to avoid harsh winters and engage in outdoor activities.
For personal reasons: People move to these states to follow new chances, adventures, or lifestyles; they may also do so to be nearer to friends, family, or loved ones. Some people might also be lured to these states because of their culture, history, or general atmosphere.
Conclusion
Because of things including a high cost of living, a weak economy, bad weather, and individual tastes, Connecticut has trouble drawing and keeping citizens. Due to their more affordable living standards, stronger economies, warmer weather, and unique attractions, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia are the most popular states among those leaving Connecticut. While it’s unclear where this trend will go in the future, Connecticut is now struggling to draw and keep citizens in a changing and competitive economy.