Massachusetts Outmigration Continues: New Study Reveals the Move to Other States

Massachusetts has recorded a significant net domestic outmigration, shedding 33,340 residents to other states. 

The U.S. Census Bureau released new numbers on Tuesday, Jan. 27, that indicated the state's net domestic outmigration has increased significantly over the 12-month span that ended on July 1, 2025.

This figure reflects a significant increase from the previous 12-month period. During that time, revised federal figures showed that Massachusetts had a net loss of approximately 19,200 people to other states.

According to the Boston Globe, over the prior two years, Massachusetts experienced substantially more outmigration — approximately 35,400 and 48,000 — amid a wider acceptance of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has framed migration data as a tool to highlight affordability and living-cost challenges, weaving it into her policy messaging and re-election campaign.

In their response to the outmigration report, however, experts caution that policy and economic shifts may affect tax competitiveness, housing costs, transportation, and spending priorities, potentially increasing fiscal pressure in Massachusetts.

The Commonwealth remains among the top five states for domestic outmigration, trailing California, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. Nearby New England states, such as Maine and New Hampshire, have posted positive domestic in-migration.

The Globe notes that despite the report, the state's population has been growing slightly, reaching an estimated 7.15 million as of July 1, 2025. Massachusetts continues to attract a more international population, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years.