Americans continue voting with their feet as high-tax cities struggle to recover
New Census data reveals a significant migration trend as residents leave high-tax urban areas for lower-tax states in the Southeast and Sun Belt. Cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles are experiencing population declines or struggling to recover post-pandemic levels. High housing costs and tax burdens are cited as primary reasons for the exodus.
- ▪New York City lost approximately 114,000 more domestic residents than it gained in 2025, reversing two years of growth.
- ▪A 2026 survey found that 26% of young adults aged 20 to 30 in Boston plan to leave the area within five years, with high housing costs being the main factor.
- ▪Massachusetts has seen a net loss of about 182,000 residents due to domestic out-migration over the past five years.
- ▪Los Angeles County experienced the largest numeric population decline in the nation between 2024 and 2025, losing 53,421 residents.
- ▪New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed concern over the erosion of the state’s tax base due to out-migration.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Media Americans continue voting with their feet as high-tax cities struggle to recover New Census data reveals a massive migration shift as high-tax states lose residents to the booming Southeast and Sun Belt By Joshua Q. Nelson Fox News Published May 2, 2026 7:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Everybody who is rational is fleeing to ‘free states,’ former White House chief of staff says Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ co-host Charlie Hurt discuss an exodus of residents from Democrat-led states due to taxes on ‘Hannity.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Americans appear to be voting with their feet as the country’s most iconic cities continue to see declining populations…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Latest & Breaking News on Fox News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News
