Every Generation Is Moving Away From California: Report

California is losing residents faster than any other state in the country, according to a new report.

A November 2025 report by Retirement Living looked at the latest U.S. Census Bureau data by age group and compared where people are moving to and from across the nation.

Although moving preferences may vary by generation, the report showed all generations are leaving the Golden State. In fact, California has the highest negative net migration rate among all age groups.

"While the states with high rates of residents leaving spanned all regions, California had the largest net loss: 254,332 people, almost double that of the next-ranking state, New York," the report said. "Cost of living may play a factor here, with California having one of the highest costs in the U.S. Additionally, the destructive wildfires taking place in the state in recent years may provide an extra incentive to leave."

Millennials are leading the California exodus. The state has experienced a net loss of 79,004 Millennial residents, which is roughly 216 per day, according to the report.

Gen Z and Gen X are leaving the Golden State, too. Gen Z lost 40,771 residents, and Gen X lost 39,512 residents. According to the report, older generations, with people age 60 and older, make up a significant portion of those leaving the state. California lost a combined 45,670 residents among Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation.

While California lost residents faster than any other state, Texas gained the most new residents overall, with an annual net migration of about 72,700 people, according to the report.

Nationwide, people are flocking to the South. Eight out of the top 10 states for net migration on the list are in the South, along with Arizona and Nevada.

Read the full report here.