Slightly More People Left Than Moved Into WI In 2021

WISCONSIN — Nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, the virus continues to influence the decisions of families across the country. Many choose to pack up their homes and move to different states to be closer to family, find a new job or trim living expenses.

Is this trend affecting Wisconsin? According to a new study conducted by United Van Lines, more people left Wisconsin in 2021, but only by a slight margin compared to other states. The Badger State didn't even make the list, with 52.1 percent of movers leaving and 47.9 percent coming in.

More people left Wisconsin over retirement and job needs while others moved in for job and family needs, the study said.

The study, released annually in January, tracks state-to-state migration patterns using available company data. This year’s study found more Americans moved to less densely populated areas and to be closer to their families.

“This new data … is indicative of COVID-19’s impact on domestic migration patterns, with 2021 bringing an acceleration of moves to smaller, midsized towns and cities,” Michael Stoll, economist and professor at the University of California - Los Angeles, said in a statement. “We’re seeing this not only occur because of Americans’ desire to leave high-density areas due to risk of infection, but also due to the transformation of how we’re able to work, with more flexibility to work remote.”