May 14, 2025

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Kansas lost more than 200,000 residents to domestic migration since 2000

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Kansas has once again seen net domestic out-migration, with a net loss of 4,700 residents to other states in 2024, the latest year for which United States Census Bureau figures are available. Domestic migration is defined as legal U.S. residents moving into or out of a state.

This is part of a long-running trend of population loss from domestic migration in the Sunflower State. According to the Kansas Policy Institute Green Book, between 2000 and 2023, Kansas lost 197,492 residents — roughly 7% of the total population — ranking 39th in the nation. KPI owns the Sentinel.

2024 domestic migrationOf the 11 states with worse domestic migration loss as of 2023, only Alaska and Connecticut had net gains in 2024. The rest — Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York — had net losses, and nearly all are high-tax states like Kansas.

Kansas’ neighbors did much better. Last year, Missouri had a net gain of more than 12,000 people; Oklahoma’s net gain was more than 14,000 residents, and Colorado’s net gain exceeded 5,000. Only Nebraska had a negative domestic migration of about 1,500 people leaving for other states.

Economist Vance Ginn, a KPI senior fellow, said policymakers and residents should take out-migration seriously.

Dr. Vance Ginn

“Out-migration from Kansas is a clear signal that something isn’t working for many families and businesses,” Ginn said. “When more than 200,000 people have chosen to leave since 2000, it’s often because they’re seeking greater opportunity elsewhere — whether that’s lower taxes, a more competitive regulatory climate, or better job prospects.

“States like Texas, Florida, and even neighboring Missouri and Oklahoma have been more aggressive in adopting pro-growth policies. Kansas has unfortunately been caught in a cycle of tax instability, high property taxes, and regulatory hurdles that make it harder for people to build a life or grow a business. People vote with their feet, and right now, they’re leaving for places that offer more economic freedom.

“To reverse this trend, Kansas leaders need to focus on reducing the overall tax burden, reining in government spending, and removing barriers to work and entrepreneurship. That’s the path to not just stopping the outflow, but bringing people and investment back in.”

Kansas had a net population gain of 19,000 last year, due mostly to a net gain from international migration of 18,500. There were also about 5,000 more births than deaths last year.

 

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