New Jersey Sees Alarming Exodus as Residents Flee High Costs

Garden State loses over 192,000 residents since 2020 as remote work and lower taxes lure people to warmer states

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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New Jersey is facing a worrying population decline, with over 192,000 residents leaving the state since 2020. High property taxes, housing costs, and the feeling of being unable to get ahead financially are driving this trend, as remote work has removed the last anchor keeping many people tethered to the high-cost state. The hardest hit areas are concentrated in the Hudson County corridor, with Jersey City and Newark leading the state in total residents lost. Smaller towns like Maurice River Township in Cumberland County have also seen staggering percentage declines. While Florida remains a top destination, former New Jerseyans are also moving to Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, Texas, and Tennessee.

Why it matters

This population exodus has significant implications for New Jersey, impacting everything from tax revenue to the viability of local businesses and communities. The trend raises questions about the state's ability to retain residents, especially younger families, and the long-term economic and social consequences of this outward migration.

The details

According to newly released 2025 migration data, New Jersey ranked #7 nationally for net out-migration per capita, losing 16,283 more residents than it gained last year. The state also ranked #1 in outbound household moves, with roughly 62% of all moves out of New Jersey headed somewhere else entirely. The hardest hit areas are concentrated in the Hudson County corridor, with Jersey City and Newark leading the state in total residents lost. Smaller towns like Maurice River Township in Cumberland County have also seen staggering percentage declines of over 17%. While Florida remains a top destination, former New Jerseyans are also moving to Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, Texas, and Tennessee, attracted by lower taxes and cost of living.

  • In 2025, New Jersey ranked #7 nationally for net out-migration per capita, losing 16,283 more residents than it gained.
  • Since 2020, a net 192,209 New Jersey residents have left for other states.

The players

New Jersey

The state facing a worrying population decline, with over 192,000 residents leaving since 2020.

Jersey City

The city that leads the entire state in total residents lost, despite once being one of the fastest-growing in the Northeast.

Newark

The city that follows Jersey City in total residents lost, as the state's largest cities grapple with population decline.

Maurice River Township

A small South Jersey community that has seen a staggering 17.4% population loss, the highest percentage decline in the state.

Florida

The top destination for former New Jersey residents, attracted by the lack of state income tax, warm weather, and lower cost of living.

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What’s next

Policymakers in New Jersey will need to closely examine the factors driving this population exodus and develop strategies to address the high costs and tax burden that are pushing residents out of the state.

The takeaway

New Jersey's population decline is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. Addressing the root causes of this trend, such as high housing costs and taxes, will be crucial in retaining residents and maintaining the state's economic and social vitality.