Wisconsin Migration Map Shows Trends in Inbound and Outbound Moves 
Analyzing the patterns of migration into and out of Wisconsin reveals trends about the state’s population dynamics.
Published January 7, 2025

Wisconsin’s migration patterns in 2021 (most recent data) highlight a mix of gains and losses in population movement, reflecting broader demographic and economic factors. According to the map, green lines indicate states where more people moved into Wisconsin, while red lines signify states where more people moved out of Wisconsin. The data, provided by the American Enterprise Institute provides a closer breakdown of these trends, listing the top states contributing to net migration gains and losses.

A map of united states with red and green lines Description automatically generated

The state saw its largest influx from neighboring Illinois, with a net migration of 6,323 people. Proximity, job opportunities, and lifestyle changes may account for this trend. Similarly, Wisconsin gained residents from Minnesota (2,083), California (1,275), Iowa (356), and Washington (313). These inbound moves suggest Wisconsin’s appeal to individuals seeking affordable housing, a lower cost of living, or a change from urban centers.

Conversely, Wisconsin experienced significant net losses to states in the South and Southwest. Florida led the outbound migration list with 4,054 net moves, followed by Texas (-2,299), North Carolina (-1,148), Tennessee (-793), and Georgia (-63). Warmer climates, lower taxes, and job prospects in these states likely attracted Wisconsinites seeking new opportunities or retirement-friendly locations.

The stark contrast between inbound and outbound patterns reflects shifting population dynamics influenced by economic, climatic, and cultural factors. Wisconsin’s appeal as a destination for residents from neighboring states and far-off locations like California suggests its strengths in quality of life and accessibility. However, the outflow to states like Florida and Texas highlights the competitive draw of warmer regions with distinct tax advantages.

Understanding these trends is vital for policymakers and businesses aiming to address Wisconsin’s population retention and growth. By analyzing why people move in or out, Wisconsin can focus on initiatives that enhance livability, job creation, and long-term attractiveness to residents. Whether we can ever compete with states like Texas, Florida, and warmer states in the south, is a challenge in itself. 

According to migration data from the American Enterprise Institute’s Housing Center, here is a detailed breakdown of net migration to and from Wisconsin in 2021, showing where residents are moving and the number of moves involved.

Wisconsin Net Migration Data (2021)

States with Net Inbound Migration:

  • Illinois: +6,323 (18,232 moves to Wisconsin; 11,909 moves from Wisconsin)
  • Minnesota: +2,083 (13,191 to; 11,108 from)
  • California: +1,275 (5,435 to; 4,160 from)
  • Iowa: +356 (2,778 to; 2,422 from)
  • Washington: +313 (2,009 to; 1,696 from)
  • North Dakota: +234 (602 to; 368 from)
  • New York: +193 (1,727 to; 1,534 from)
  • Idaho: +184 (606 to; 422 from)
  • Indiana: +162 (2,016 to; 1,854 from)
  • Kansas: +155 (732 to; 577 from)
  • Oregon: +136 (1,004 to; 868 from)
  • Alaska: +98 (455 to; 357 from)
  • Louisiana: +93 (473 to; 380 from)
  • New Jersey: +73 (615 to; 542 from)
  • Colorado: +70 (3,063 to; 2,993 from)
  • Nevada: +70 (1,095 to; 1,025 from)
  • Pennsylvania: +62 (1,207 to; 1,145 from)
  • Maryland: +58 (678 to; 620 from)
  • New Mexico: +58 (488 to; 430 from)
  • Hawaii: +53 (348 to; 295 from)
  • Ohio: +46 (1,671 to; 1,625 from)
  • New Hampshire: +39 (194 to; 155 from)
  • Virginia: +38 (1,419 to; 1,381 from)
  • Utah: +35 (730 to; 695 from)
  • Connecticut: +34 (377 to; 343 from)
  • Wyoming: +15 (271 to; 256 from)
  • Rhode Island: +3 (121 to; 118 from)

States with Net Outbound Migration:

  • Vermont: −3 (120 to; 123 from)
  • Nebraska: −14 (559 to; 573 from)
  • West Virginia: −19 (137 to; 156 from)
  • Delaware: −26 (71 to; 97 from)
  • Maine: −44 (152 to; 196 from)
  • Mississippi: −46 (444 to; 490 from)
  • District of Columbia: −50 (181 to; 231 from)
  • Montana: −79 (454 to; 533 from)
  • Massachusetts: −100 (706 to; 806 from)
  • Kentucky: −111 (701 to; 812 from)
  • Arkansas: −112 (615 to; 727 from)
  • South Dakota: −113 (488 to; 601 from)
  • Missouri: −124 (1,568 to; 1,692 from)
  • Oklahoma: −125 (625 to; 750 from)
  • Michigan: −177 (3,984 to; 4,161 from)
  • Alabama: −246 (506 to; 752 from)
  • Arizona: −551 (3,630 to; 4,181 from)
  • South Carolina: −572 (715 to; 1,287 from)
  • Georgia: −636 (1,548 to; 2,184 from)
  • Tennessee: −793 (1,584 to; 2,377 from)
  • North Carolina: −1,148 (1,721 to; 2,869 from)
  • Texas: −2,299 (4,921 to; 7,220 from)
  • Florida: −4,054 (5,675 to; 9,729 from)