Census: CA Lost More Residents than It Gained in 2011

California lost nearly 100,000 more residents to other states in 2011 than it gained, according to a new Census Bureau report. However, the state had a net gain in population because nearly 250,000 foreigners moved there. 

According to the Census Bureau, “562,343 Californians moved to other states during 2011” and the top-five most popular destinations included:

Texas (58,992), Arizona (49,635), Nevada (40,114), Washington (38,421), Oregon (34,214)

Three of these states (Texas, Nevada, Washington) have no state income tax. Oregon does not have a statewide sales tax. 

Meanwhile, 468,428 residents of other states moved to California during the year. Because more than a quarter-million foreigners came to California, the state actually gained in population in 2011 due to non-U.S. citizens. 

In September, the Manhattan Institute released a comprehensive demographic study that found California has had a “net domestic out-migration averaging 225,00 residents a year,” with residents fleeing the states with friendlier tax climates.

After California residents voted for Proposition 30 to increase taxes (Californians even voted for retroactive tax increases) in November’s elections, California State Controller John Chiang promptly announced state revenues for the month of November fell by 10.8%, or $806.8 million.