Last year, counties home to LA, Chicago and New York City suffered the largest exodus of people in the country — meanwhile, tens of thousands flocked to counties in Arizona, Texas and Florida.
Los Angeles County, still the most populous county in the US, saw an average of 143,000 people leave for elsewhere in the country between July 2021 and July 2022, according to the latest US Census data.
It was followed by Cook County, home to Chicago, which lost about 94,000 people to other parts of the country. Three of New York City’s counties — Kings, Queens and Bronx — were all among the top five counties experiencing mass migration.
On the other hand, Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, had the largest influx of domestic migrants, about 33,000.
It was closely followed by Collin County in Texas and Polk County in Florida, which lies between Orlando and Tampa.
Last year, the counties comprising LA, Chicago, and New York City suffered the largest negative migration of people in the country. Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, had the largest influx
About a third of the total US homeless population – 171,521 people – are in California, and LA is the state’s hot spot, with 65,111
The five counties that lost the most residents to other parts of the country are each in high-tax states, namely California, Illinois and New York.
In contrast, the counties with the largest influx of people were in Arizona, Texas and Florida, where the tax is significantly lower.
Population change is driven by migration, both within the US and the arrival of people from abroad. It also depends on whether the births are faster than the deaths. Domestic migration figures refer only to domestic migrants.
Although LA County lost people to internal migration, people from abroad did arrive, adding nearly 34,000 last year.
California is by far the state hardest hit by homelessness, and LA is at the center of that crisis. About a third of the total US homeless population – 171,521 people – are in California, and LA is home to about 65,000 of them.
Overall, the population of Florida and Texas counties increased significantly in percentage terms between July 2021 and July 2022
Homelessness on 1st Avenue between 20 and 21st Street in Manhattan, New York
Chicago followed a similar trend to LA. Although it lost massively to internal migration, it recovered some of its numbers through international migration – it was the fifth most popular destination for people arriving from other countries.
However, the city’s population problems could get worse if Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s tax proposals become a reality. Illinois Policy reported.
One of Johnson’s main campaign platforms is to drastically raise taxes on what he calls “the suburbs, airlines and the ultra-rich.” It could mean more businesses and people are fleeing the city.
New York’s Kings County, which includes Brooklyn, lost nearly 47,000 people, but the drop was nearly half of the previous year.
The county of 2.5 million had solid natural growth and healthy international migration, but more than 77,000 residents left in total.
Phoenix, on the other hand, maintained its popularity among both domestic and international migrants. Maricopa County grew by nearly 57,000 new residents and now has a population of 4.5 million people.