New York State Leads in Population Loss

Billy Joel sings about it famously in his big hit "Movin' Out," but he's never actually done it. In fact, the Piano Man is a staunch supporter of New York, continuing to play sold-out shows in New York City's Madison Square Garden and live in a New York State of Mind.

Many other New Yorkers ARE movin' out. New York leads the nation in population loss for the year between July of 2017 and July of 2018, according to the United States Census Bureau. The Empire State lost 48,510 residents over that year. Illinois was second, with a population loss of 45,116. (Nevada and Idaho were the fastest-growing states.)

The trend in the Empire State appears to be worsening. From 2010-2018, Census numbers show New York ranked 44th out of 50 U.S. states in population growth. So, what's the cause for the large exodus?

Two big reasons:

Economy. The tax bite is huge and the job outlook is bleaker than in other states.

Climate. New York came in at #20 in a Thrillist.com article about the Most Miserable Winters by State.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo hopes the Excelsior Program, which offers free college tuition, will keep younger folks around. And maybe he feels legalizing recreational marijuana will have the same effect.

Will anything work to stop the exodus?