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Union City Today
By the People, for the People
New Jersey Sees Alarming Population Decline as Residents Flee High Costs
Garden State loses over 192,000 residents since 2020 as high taxes and remote work drive exodus to warmer, lower-cost states
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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New Jersey is facing a concerning trend of population decline, with over 192,000 residents leaving the state since 2020. High property taxes, housing costs, and the rise of remote work have pushed many to seek more affordable options, particularly in warmer states like Florida. 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 have also seen staggering percentage declines. While some are moving to nearby Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, Texas, and Tennessee are also popular destinations for those seeking a complete reset.
Why it matters
The mass exodus from New Jersey highlights the state's struggle to retain residents amid rising costs of living. This trend has significant economic and social implications, as the state loses tax revenue, talent, and community ties. It also raises questions about the long-term viability of New Jersey's urban centers and the ability of smaller towns to sustain themselves.
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 to other states. 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 up to 17.4%. The shift is not just an urban phenomenon, as even suburban areas like Ocean County have seen growth while other parts of the state decline.
- 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 concerning trend of 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 closely in total residents lost, as the state's urban centers struggle to retain population.
Maurice River Township
A small South Jersey community that has seen a staggering 17.4% population decline, the highest percentage loss in the state.
Florida
The most popular destination for former New Jersey residents, offering no state income tax, warm weather, and a lower cost of living.
The takeaway
The mass exodus from New Jersey highlights the state's struggle to retain residents amid rising costs of living, with significant economic and social implications. This trend raises questions about the long-term viability of New Jersey's urban centers and the ability of smaller towns to sustain themselves, as the state grapples with how to address the underlying factors driving this population decline.
