Have you ever wondered where your neighbors might have originally hailed from? The United States has a long history of migration, both from foreign countries and between the states themselves. Some states are known for attracting people from all corners of the globe.
These 10 states have the lowest percentage of residents who were originally born in that state. We’ll break down how many hail from another state in the U.S. and how many immigrated from an entirely different country. Regardless of where everyone is coming from, it’s safe to say that these states have the fewest numbers of “locals.”
We also throw in a couple of states at the other end of the spectrum where it seems like no one is moving in from another state.
10. Oregon
Oregon ranks tenth in states with the lowest homegrown population and showcases a born-in-state percentage of 46%. Oregon has stunning natural landscapes and a progressive culture.
- Born In-State: 46%
- Born Out-of-State: 44%
- Foreign-Born: 11%
A thriving tech industry lures non-native residents seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and urban amenities. Oregon’s reputation for sustainability and quality of life contributes to its appeal as a destination for newcomers.
8. (tie) Delaware
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Delaware, tied at eighth among states with the lowest homegrown population, boasts a born-in-state percentage of 45%. Its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and lack of sales tax make it a haven for corporate headquarters.
- Born In-State: 45%
- Born Out-of-State: 44%
- Foreign-Born: 10%
While a large number of those companies don’t actually have offices in Delaware, the state still draws a large number of corporate professionals from across the country. This economic magnetism is blended with coastal charm and historical significance as the first state to ratify the Constitution. Delaware continuously attracts foreign-born and out-of-state residents to its welcoming shores.
8. (tie) Idaho
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Idaho ranks as the state with the eighth-lowest homegrown population (tied with Delaware). Idaho is home to stunning natural beauty and affordable living. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is located in Idaho, as well as a 50-square-mile section of Yellowstone National Park.
- Born In-State: 45%
- Born Out-of-State: 48%
- Foreign-Born: 7%
The growing tech sector attracts a steady stream of non-Idaho residents seeking a higher quality of life and employment opportunities. During the 2020 pandemic, Idaho was one of the top states that former residents of California were headed to. They make up a large chunk of that out-of-state-born percentage.
7. Alaska
With 43% of the population born in the state, Alaska stands as the state with the seventh lowest homegrown population. “The Last Frontier,” as it’s called, has a vast wilderness and unique lifestyle. Oil, fishing, and tourism jobs are abundant. These draw individuals from around the globe.
- Born In-State: 43%
- Born Out-of-State: 47%
- Foreign-Born: 10%
Did you know that Alaska residents get a yearly check from the state government? The Alaska Permanent Fund, paid for by revenues in the oil and mining industries, distributes around $1,000 every year to almost every Alaskan. In 2023, the check was $1,312. It sure does pay to be an Alaskan!
5. (tie) Colorado
Colorado ranks as the state with the fifth-lowest percentage of its population born within its borders: only 42%. This is tied with Wyoming. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation, Colorado has been the 5th fastest-growing state in the past decade.
- Born In-State: 42%
- Born Out-of-State: 47%
- Foreign-Born: 11%
All of those new residents have to be coming from somewhere! And it’s from other states. Colorado magnetizes non-native residents seeking adventure and career opportunities. Maybe it’s the clean mountain air or the numerous snow days. Regardless, it continuously attracts newcomers from various backgrounds.
5. (tie) Wyoming
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Wyoming is tied for fifth in states with the lowest homegrown population. Colorado is the other. Its pristine wilderness and low population density mean that this is the perfect place to reside if you want to own expansive tracts of land where you can’t even see your neighbors.
- Born In-State: 42%
- Born Out-of-State: 53%
- Foreign-Born: 4%
That low population density made the state attractive when people were moving around during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wyoming’s strong economy is driven by energy and tourism. Remember that both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are located here. Not many other states can boast that. The state’s charm, job opportunities, and quality of life attract individuals from across the nation.
4. New Hampshire
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New Hampshire ranks fourth among states with the lowest homegrown population. The Granite State has a born-in-state percentage of 41%. The state’s scenic beauty, low crime rates, and favorable tax policies entice individuals from neighboring states seeking a high quality of life.
- Born In-State: 41%
- Born Out-of-State: 52%
- Foreign-Born: 7%
Economic opportunities abound in industries like healthcare and technology. And even though most people think of the Northeast as a densely populated urban conglomeration, New Hampshire has dense forests and mountainous terrain. The highest ski mountains on the East Coast are here! Tourists visit, and then fall in love.
3. Arizona
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Arizona is the state with the third-lowest population born in-state. Its allure as a haven for retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and job seekers contributes to a steady influx of non-native residents. The state’s warm climate, diverse landscapes, and economic opportunities attract individuals from across the country.
- Born In-State: 40%
- Born Out-of-State: 46%
- Foreign-Born: 14%
Arizona has been in the top 10 of the fastest-growing states since 2010. Even more astounding, Californians alone accounted for nearly 1/4th of all domestic migrants who ended up in Phoenix according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey in 2020. In Tucson, Californians made up 1 in 5!
2. Florida
With a born-in-state percentage of 36%, Florida ranks as the state with the second lowest percentage of population born within its borders. Its appeal as a retirement haven and tourist hotspot hub draws a large influx of non-native residents seeking warmth and leisure opportunities.
- Born In-State: 36%
- Born Out-of-State: 39%
- Foreign-Born: 24%
Florida’s percentage of foreign-born residents is the third-highest in the country. It trails only California and New York. The difference is that people aren’t moving from other states to California like they are to Florida. That’s why 56% of Californians are born in-state, twenty percentage points more than Florida.
1. Nevada
Nevada boasts the lowest homegrown population among all states! It’s a haven for transplants drawn to its vibrant cities and desert landscapes. Nevada’s inclusion on this list shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s in the top 5 of the fastest-growing states in the country and has been for the past decade.
- Born In-State: 27%
- Born Out-of-State: 52%
- Foreign-Born: 21%
If there’s one theme we can pinpoint from looking at the list as a whole, it’s that this trend is focused out West. Only 3 states are on the East Coast.
Which States Have the Greatest “Homegrown” Populations?
Michigan
Michigan is home to the second-largest homegrown population. Around 77% of Michiganders were born there. The state’s population trends have been a mixed bag since the last census. Between 2010 and 2020, the Great Lakes State grew in population, but it still lagged behind national averages.
- Born In-State: 77%
- Born Out-of-State: 16%
- Foreign-Born: 8%
Post-pandemic, the population of Michigan has slightly decreased. This recent decline is concentrated in southeastern Michigan’s metro areas, including Detroit and Ann Arbor. You can see this in Michigan’s “Born Out-of-State” percentage of 16%. That’s the second-lowest of any state except New York. If people aren’t moving in from out of state, the overall population isn’t going to grow.
Louisiana
Louisiana is the state where the greatest percentage of the population was born within its borders. Nearly 4 out of every 5 Louisianans were born in Louisiana. It also has the third-lowest percentages of both foreign-born residents and residents born in another state.
- Born In-State: 78%
- Born Out-of-State: 18%
- Foreign-Born: 4%
Like Michigan, the Pelican State saw gradual growth between the 2010 and 2020 censuses. However, it was only around 2% when the national average was 6% growth. Since 2020, the population of Louisiana has shown a fairly steady decline. In fact, nearly every major metro area of the state is seeing population declines. Only the I-12 corridor seems to be bucking this trend.
