This series of graphs depicts data collected by the U.S. Census American Community Survey on migration within the United States. Respondents were asked whether they lived in the same residence a year ago. Those who answered no were asked whether their previous residence was in a different state, and if so, what state. This analysis only examines people who moved from one state to another, ignoring those who moved to or from another country, and those who moved within their home state. It examines data from surveys conducted in 2005 through 2009, to provide a larger sample. Nonetheless, estimates for some states have large margins of error. For details, see State-to-State Migration Flows: 2005-2009 at the link above.
The American Community Survey results confirm the commonplace impression among Idahoans that the largest portion state residents who have relocated from another state came from California. However, nearly as many people from Washington have moved to Idaho between 2005 and 2009. Also, the number of people who relocate from California is smaller than one might expect, given its large population. The states that send the largest percentage of their residents to Idaho are the states that border it. Idaho residents who moved to another state tended to move to other western states, with the three most common states being Washington, Utah, and Oregon. These three states together were the destination for nearly 43% of Idahoans who moved to another state.
To explore the data firsthand, visit our In-Migration and Out-Migration interactive graphic
Graphic and briefing by April Hoy For further information, email ppc@boisestate.edu