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 push people to warmer, more affordable states

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Jersey is facing a worrying 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 driven 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 implications for the state's economy, tax base, and overall community fabric as long-time residents depart. Understanding the drivers behind this population decline is crucial for policymakers to address the underlying issues and develop strategies to make New Jersey more affordable and attractive for both current and prospective residents.

The details

According to the latest migration data, New Jersey ranked 7th nationally for net out-migration per capita in 2025, losing 16,283 more residents than it gained. The state also topped the United Van Lines National Movers Study for outbound household moves, with roughly 62% of all moves out of New Jersey headed elsewhere. 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%. The shift is not just an urban phenomenon, as suburban areas like Ocean County have seen population growth while other parts of the state, such as Salem and Cape May counties, have experienced significant declines.

  • 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 of New Jersey, which has seen a concerning trend of population decline in recent years as residents leave for more affordable areas.

Jersey City

The largest city in Hudson County and the state of New Jersey, which has led the state in total residents lost.

Newark

The largest city in Essex County and the second-largest city in New Jersey, which has also seen significant population decline.

Maurice River Township

A small town in Cumberland County, New Jersey, that has experienced a staggering 17.4% population decline, the highest in the state.

Florida

A popular destination for former New Jersey residents seeking a lower cost of living, no state income tax, and warmer weather.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The mass exodus from New Jersey highlights the urgent need for policymakers to address the underlying issues driving residents to leave, such as high property taxes, housing costs, and the changing landscape of work. Developing strategies to make the state more affordable and attractive for both current and prospective residents will be crucial in stemming this concerning trend and preserving New Jersey's communities.