States with the most born-and-bred residents
Americans are creatures of comfort and habit鈥攁nd that couldn't be more evident than a look at the on U.S. migration patterns released by the U.S. Census Bureau in July 2023. According to the data, about 55% of movers in 2019 moved within the same county and another 24% moved to a different county within their state. That's compared to 17% of movers who headed to a new state, and the remaining 4% who moved from abroad.
But in certain corners of the U.S., the only way you'll ever be considered a local is if you were born there. Particularly in rural pockets, where generation after generation stays close to old family farms or businesses, even someone who moved to the area during childhood is often considered a transplant.
Elsewhere, in major metropolitan centers like New York City, it can feel like no one is originally from there. The constant influx of new businesses, college students, and families can transform neighborhoods every few years and certainly decade over decade.
Using the most recent data from the , 麻豆原创 ranked every U.S. state and Washington D.C. based on the percentage of the total population that was born in their state of residence, and the results may surprise you.
Read on to see which state has the most loyal natives and how many born-and-bred residents are in yours.
#51. Nevada
- 2019 population: 3,080,156
- Born in state of residence: 839,064 (27.24% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,575,292 (51.14% of population)
- Born in US territory: 55,148 (1.79% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 610,652 (19.83% of population)
Nevada wins the gold for the states with the fewest residents remaining. It is heavily dependent on gaming and tourism, and just over a quarter of its residents can say they were born there. Apparently, what happens in Vegas most likely leaves Vegas.
#50. Florida
- 2019 population: 21,477,737
- Born in state of residence: 7,688,623 (35.8% of population)
- Born in other US state: 8,423,377 (39.22% of population)
- Born in US territory: 839,309 (3.91% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 4,526,428 (21.07% of population)
Florida comes in second place for having the lowest percentage of born and bred residents. However, with the , it would most likely dominate any "best place to retire" list. With , the economy is seemingly unaffected by Florida natives staying or leaving.
#49. Washington D.C.
- 2019 population: 705,749
- Born in state of residence: 262,594 (37.21% of population)
- Born in other US state: 343,198 (48.63% of population)
- Born in US territory: 14,624 (2.07% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 85,333 (12.09% of population)
It should come as no surprise that Washington D.C., the political heart of the country, has such high numbers of transplants living there. Taken as a microcosm of the larger political population, Congress alone brings in to live in D.C. Although when it comes to politics, it is better to not be born there: .
#48. Arizona
- 2019 population: 7,278,717
- Born in state of residence: 2,901,217 (39.86% of population)
- Born in other US state: 3,300,876 (45.35% of population)
- Born in US territory: 100,323 (1.38% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 976,301 (13.41% of population)
Home to the Grand Canyon, Arizona is also home to a majority of people who were not born there. Arizona is among the top states in the country for .
#47. New Hampshire
- 2019 population: 1,359,711
- Born in state of residence: 552,277 (40.62% of population)
- Born in other US state: 701,910 (51.62% of population)
- Born in US territory: 18,618 (1.37% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 86,906 (6.39% of population)
New Hampshire is one of nine states . In the last several years, than out of it.
#46. Colorado
- 2019 population: 5,758,736
- Born in state of residence: 2,431,490 (42.22% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,678,077 (46.5% of population)
- Born in US territory: 102,280 (1.78% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 546,889 (9.5% of population)
Home to the country's , Colorado's population is 42% Centennial State natives and nearly 47% out-of-staters. The state is home to .
#45. Alaska
- 2019 population: 731,545
- Born in state of residence: 313,765 (42.89% of population)
- Born in other US state: 341,249 (46.65% of population)
- Born in US territory: 18,153 (2.48% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 58,378 (7.98% of population)
When someone wants to leave Alaska and head to the continental U.S., they either need a . As difficult or as expensive as it might seem to leave, just over 42% of the population was born here. , another major export of Alaska seems to be its natives.
#44. Wyoming
- 2019 population: 578,759
- Born in state of residence: 249,024 (43.03% of population)
- Born in other US state: 308,069 (53.23% of population)
- Born in US territory: 3,897 (0.67% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 17,769 (3.07% of population)
The major industries of Wyoming are mineral extraction and tourism, and the state is home to a wide diversity of for outdoor enthusiasts. Wyoming sets itself apart from other states with similar industries in that roughly .
#43. Delaware
- 2019 population: 973,764
- Born in state of residence: 428,368 (43.99% of population)
- Born in other US state: 428,907 (44.05% of population)
- Born in US territory: 19,219 (1.97% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 97,270 (9.99% of population)
Although Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, it is far from the first state when it comes to retaining its state natives. Almost 75% of all to find jobs.
#42. Oregon
- 2019 population: 4,217,737
- Born in state of residence: 1,923,843 (45.61% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,830,937 (43.41% of population)
- Born in US territory: 52,405 (1.24% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 410,552 (9.73% of population)
As one of , Oregon certainly Most into or out of the state have college degrees.
#41. Idaho
- 2019 population: 1,787,065
- Born in state of residence: 823,414 (46.08% of population)
- Born in other US state: 839,738 (46.99% of population)
- Born in US territory: 20,801 (1.16% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 103,112 (5.77% of population)
Idaho was ranked the , largely attributed to the state relying heavily on international trade. Between 2016 and 2021, 46% of the came from California.
#40. Washington
- 2019 population: 7,614,893
- Born in state of residence: 3,533,417 (46.4% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,815,331 (36.97% of population)
- Born in US territory: 133,311 (1.75% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 1,132,834 (14.88% of population)
Washington consistently ranks among the , which is not a huge surprise when considering companies like Amazon and Microsoft are based there. Perhaps Washington was too busy to prioritize retaining its state natives.
#39. Maryland
- 2019 population: 6,045,680
- Born in state of residence: 2,864,269 (47.38% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,156,453 (35.67% of population)
- Born in US territory: 95,527 (1.58% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 929,431 (15.37% of population)
United Van Lines' 44th Annual National Migration Study in 2020 ranked Maryland among the ' in the U.S. Of those who left the state, 41% did so for a job while 26% left Maryland to retire.
#38. Vermont
- 2019 population: 623,989
- Born in state of residence: 304,509 (48.8% of population)
- Born in other US state: 283,397 (45.42% of population)
- Born in US territory: 6,709 (1.08% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 29,374 (4.71% of population)
Vermont is the , and the top producer of maple syrup in the U.S. Two of the state's most famous residents, ice cream makers .
#37. Virginia
- 2019 population: 8,535,519
- Born in state of residence: 4,222,276 (49.47% of population)
- Born in other US state: 3,067,908 (35.94% of population)
- Born in US territory: 161,512 (1.89% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 1,083,823 (12.7% of population)
Virginia may be deep on this list of states retaining born and bred residents, but it is the #1 state when it comes to producing U.S. presidents. Eight United States presidents . .
#36. New Jersey
- 2019 population: 8,882,190
- Born in state of residence: 4,570,361 (51.46% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,024,372 (22.79% of population)
- Born in US territory: 212,771 (2.4% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 2,074,686 (23.36% of population)
The Garden State is known for having the . New Jersey boasts .
#35. Hawaii
- 2019 population: 1,415,872
- Born in state of residence: 740,973 (52.33% of population)
- Born in other US state: 353,713 (24.98% of population)
- Born in US territory: 48,174 (3.4% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 273,012 (19.28% of population)
The majority of Hawaii residents make their living through the state's tourism and hospitality industries. Some portion of the 25% of residents born in other states can be attributed . Those who leave may do so in part because of the high cost of living: To , on the south shore of Oahu, residents on average would need to make at least $120,000 annually.
#34. Montana
- 2019 population: 1,068,778
- Born in state of residence: 571,138 (53.44% of population)
- Born in other US state: 462,848 (43.31% of population)
- Born in US territory: 9,724 (0.91% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 25,068 (2.35% of population)
Montana, affectionately known as "Big Sky Country," relies on agriculture and . The state ranks among the in the country.
#33. Connecticut
- 2019 population: 3,565,287
- Born in state of residence: 1,917,008 (53.77% of population)
- Born in other US state: 979,738 (27.48% of population)
- Born in US territory: 140,176 (3.93% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 528,365 (14.82% of population)
Almost 15% of . Between 2010 and 2020, Connecticut among 10 states to see a decrease in population. Govrenment officials have since 2019 turned over various for graduates of Connecticut universities, but no plan has been put into place.
#32. New Mexico
- 2019 population: 2,096,829
- Born in state of residence: 1,128,247 (53.81% of population)
- Born in other US state: 742,663 (35.42% of population)
- Born in US territory: 24,077 (1.15% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 201,842 (9.63% of population)
currently has a . Tourism is also a successful sector for the state.
#31. Georgia
- 2019 population: 10,617,423
- Born in state of residence: 5,777,264 (54.41% of population)
- Born in other US state: 3,597,182 (33.88% of population)
- Born in US territory: 151,097 (1.42% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 1,091,880 (10.28% of population)
Georgia produces more pecans than any other state. With agriculture as a main industry and Atlanta as the there are more reasons to stay than to leave.
#30. South Carolina
- 2019 population: 5,148,714
- Born in state of residence: 2,830,772 (54.98% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,967,181 (38.21% of population)
- Born in US territory: 62,351 (1.21% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 288,410 (5.6% of population)
With a blossoming tourism industry thanks to Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, Unfortunately for those economically stable residents, it also finds itself .
#29. North Carolina
- 2019 population: 10,488,084
- Born in state of residence: 5,868,716 (55.96% of population)
- Born in other US state: 3,610,684 (34.43% of population)
- Born in US territory: 124,053 (1.18% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 884,631 (8.43% of population)
North Carolina's many companies to house their headquarters there. offer job prospects in the state.
#28. California
- 2019 population: 39,512,223
- Born in state of residence: 22,172,075 (56.11% of population)
- Born in other US state: 6,212,915 (15.72% of population)
- Born in US territory: 563,013 (1.42% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 10,564,220 (26.74% of population)
California has the country's largest economy. Agriculture, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley (not to mention the beach) draw many people in from out-of-state.
#27. Rhode Island
- 2019 population: 1,059,361
- Born in state of residence: 600,117 (56.65% of population)
- Born in other US state: 284,047 (26.81% of population)
- Born in US territory: 30,123 (2.84% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 145,074 (13.69% of population)
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union, . It is the only state that began prohibition. Rhode Island regularly ranks high in terms of .
#26. Tennessee
- 2019 population: 6,829,174
- Born in state of residence: 4,036,656 (59.11% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,362,704 (34.6% of population)
- Born in US territory: 56,342 (0.83% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 373,472 (5.47% of population)
Tennessee has figured out a winning recipe for retaining its native population. The state is well-known for ongoing economic growth, a , and .
#25. Kansas
- 2019 population: 2,913,314
- Born in state of residence: 1,723,235 (59.15% of population)
- Born in other US state: 952,079 (32.68% of population)
- Born in US territory: 29,100 (1% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 208,900 (7.17% of population)
Kansas loyalty just makes sense. The state's cost of living is .
#24. Massachusetts
- 2019 population: 6,892,503
- Born in state of residence: 4,091,791 (59.37% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,399,052 (20.3% of population)
- Born in US territory: 211,468 (3.07% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 1,190,192 (17.27% of population)
Massachusetts regularly ranks among the . Nearly 60% of the state's population was born here, and Massachusetts consistently ranks among the .
#23. Texas
- 2019 population: 28,995,881
- Born in state of residence: 17,240,037 (59.46% of population)
- Born in other US state: 6,334,762 (21.85% of population)
- Born in US territory: 469,926 (1.62% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 4,951,156 (17.08% of population)
The Lone Star State could also be the Second Star State: It is both the second-biggest state and . Texas' population is almost 60% Texan natives, who are perhaps staying because are based there.
#22. Arkansas
- 2019 population: 3,017,804
- Born in state of residence: 1,826,648 (60.53% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,014,965 (33.63% of population)
- Born in US territory: 21,905 (0.73% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 154,286 (5.11% of population)
Arkansas is the birthplace of Walmart. The largest industry in Arkansas is agriculture. For many Arkansas farmers, leaving home would also mean leaving a secure job.
#21. Oklahoma
- 2019 population: 3,956,971
- Born in state of residence: 2,397,439 (60.59% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,278,470 (32.31% of population)
- Born in US territory: 40,853 (1.03% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 240,209 (6.07% of population)
More than just a popular Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma is . Unfortunately, Oklahoma has also ranked among .
#20. Maine
- 2019 population: 1,344,212
- Born in state of residence: 828,176 (61.61% of population)
- Born in other US state: 449,102 (33.41% of population)
- Born in US territory: 14,522 (1.08% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 52,412 (3.9% of population)
Known for , Mainers are so serious about staying in Maine, there was a 2019 bill introduced to change the state license plate slogan from
#19. Utah
- 2019 population: 3,205,958
- Born in state of residence: 1,977,818 (61.69% of population)
- Born in other US state: 921,459 (28.74% of population)
- Born in US territory: 32,106 (1% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 274,575 (8.56% of population)
Utah's industry relies heavily on the tourism that comes along with along with the . Utah houses and happens to be .
#18. North Dakota
- 2019 population: 762,062
- Born in state of residence: 470,871 (61.79% of population)
- Born in other US state: 253,472 (33.26% of population)
- Born in US territory: 6,581 (0.86% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 31,138 (4.09% of population)
Farms and ranches compose roughly 90% of the land in North Dakota. The state has largely recovered .
#17. New York
- 2019 population: 19,453,561
- Born in state of residence: 12,271,005 (63.08% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,315,876 (11.9% of population)
- Born in US territory: 506,389 (2.6% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 4,360,291 (22.41% of population)
The economy of New York State is inextricably linked to the economy of New York City. The Big Apple accounts and is considered the nation's . With the cultural and financial pull of New York City, one might assume the residents born elsewhere would account for a larger percentage of the population.
#16. South Dakota
- 2019 population: 884,659
- Born in state of residence: 562,899 (63.63% of population)
- Born in other US state: 280,332 (31.69% of population)
- Born in US territory: 5,096 (0.58% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 36,332 (4.11% of population)
With nearly 65% of the population of South Dakota being born and bred there, . South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park.
#15. Nebraska
- 2019 population: 1,934,408
- Born in state of residence: 1,251,901 (64.72% of population)
- Born in other US state: 523,993 (27.09% of population)
- Born in US territory: 16,046 (0.83% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 142,468 (7.36% of population)
In what seems to be an attempt at reverse psychology, Or perhaps this is just an honest attempt of Nebraska natives, which make up the majority the state's population, to keep their home for themselves.
#14. Missouri
- 2019 population: 6,137,428
- Born in state of residence: 4,041,520 (65.85% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,782,536 (29.04% of population)
- Born in US territory: 51,325 (0.84% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 262,047 (4.27% of population)
Though the is still up for debate, one thing is certain: Missourians like Missouri. The state ranks and historically has an impressive rate of high school graduates .
#13. Illinois
- 2019 population: 12,671,821
- Born in state of residence: 8,542,823 (67.42% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,210,387 (17.44% of population)
- Born in US territory: 152,119 (1.2% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 1,766,492 (13.94% of population)
Of enrolled in four-year colleges and universities, almost 50% leave the state to attend. In-state schools have worked for years on finding novel ways to , but the numbers have continued to fall.
#12. Indiana
- 2019 population: 6,732,219
- Born in state of residence: 4,559,389 (67.72% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,763,461 (26.19% of population)
- Born in US territory: 50,771 (0.75% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 358,598 (5.33% of population)
Indiana is the self-proclaimed Crossroads of America. The state produces .
#11. Minnesota
- 2019 population: 5,639,632
- Born in state of residence: 3,819,536 (67.73% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,311,604 (23.26% of population)
- Born in US territory: 36,261 (0.64% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 472,231 (8.37% of population)
The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also the land of mosquitoes. But even these cannot deter Minnesota natives from staying. An impressive 67% of the population of Minnesota was also born there.
#10. Kentucky
- 2019 population: 4,467,673
- Born in state of residence: 3,049,316 (68.25% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,187,123 (26.57% of population)
- Born in US territory: 34,616 (0.77% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 196,618 (4.4% of population)
One of Kentucky's most famous natives left and made another state famous instead: . Kentucky has a booming food and beverage industry, which includes producing over .
#9. West Virginia
- 2019 population: 1,792,147
- Born in state of residence: 1,228,310 (68.54% of population)
- Born in other US state: 522,496 (29.15% of population)
- Born in US territory: 12,593 (0.7% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 28,748 (1.6% of population)
West Virginia is the . Unfortunately, the state .
#8. Alabama
- 2019 population: 4,903,185
- Born in state of residence: 3,394,858 (69.24% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,292,006 (26.35% of population)
- Born in US territory: 41,369 (0.84% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 174,952 (3.57% of population)
Alabama has well-known for , a big draw for college students in- and out-of-state. After graduation is another story: Roughly half of all are working in-state five years later.
#7. Iowa
- 2019 population: 3,155,070
- Born in state of residence: 2,199,342 (69.71% of population)
- Born in other US state: 755,951 (23.96% of population)
- Born in US territory: 22,008 (0.7% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 177,769 (5.63% of population)
Iowa regularly ranks high for the . The Hawkeye State also receives high scores for child wellness visits, infrastructure, and public high school graduation rates.
#6. Wisconsin
- 2019 population: 5,822,434
- Born in state of residence: 4,129,632 (70.93% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,343,471 (23.07% of population)
- Born in US territory: 55,092 (0.95% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 294,239 (5.05% of population)
Though Wisconsin considers itself the dairy capital of the U.S., . Don't think that will have anyone , though.
#5. Pennsylvania
- 2019 population: 12,801,989
- Born in state of residence: 9,136,828 (71.37% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,506,217 (19.58% of population)
- Born in US territory: 265,777 (2.08% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 893,167 (6.98% of population)
The Keystone State . A whopping 72% of Pennsylvania residents were also born there, but companies do not necessarily like to stay. The based on the state business taxes.
#4. Mississippi
- 2019 population: 2,976,149
- Born in state of residence: 2,127,634 (71.49% of population)
- Born in other US state: 764,524 (25.69% of population)
- Born in US territory: 20,074 (0.67% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 63,917 (2.15% of population)
Mississippi was found to have . Mississippi is also among the country's most religious states.
#3. Ohio
- 2019 population: 11,689,100
- Born in state of residence: 8,735,573 (74.73% of population)
- Born in other US state: 2,293,328 (19.62% of population)
- Born in US territory: 101,247 (0.87% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 558,952 (4.78% of population)
The Birthplace of Aviation is one of the of plastics and rubber, fabricated metals, and electrical equipment and appliances in the U.S. Buckeyes' votes really count: In almost every election since Johnson in 1964, .
#2. Michigan
- 2019 population: 9,986,857
- Born in state of residence: 7,614,475 (76.24% of population)
- Born in other US state: 1,588,849 (15.91% of population)
- Born in US territory: 82,608 (0.83% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 700,925 (7.02% of population)
Michigan . Mackinac Island regularly ranks among .
#1. Louisiana
- 2019 population: 4,648,794
- Born in state of residence: 3,607,397 (77.6% of population)
- Born in other US state: 808,020 (17.38% of population)
- Born in US territory: 36,802 (0.79% of population)
- Born in foreign country: 196,575 (4.23% of population)
Louisiana ranks among the for a number of reasons, including . Considering such data, it does call into question whether the Louisiana natives stay because they want to or because leaving is too costly.
