Outbound moves: 53.5%
This State is famous for its beautiful bluegrass landscapes, but the lack of good jobs is driving Kentuckians to flee. Kentucky holds one of the nation’s highest rates of unemployment. While the state’s neighbors — like Missouri, West Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois— have been raising the minimum wage, but Kentucky has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for the last decade.
More than 50% of the people who move out of Kentucky are leaving to take a better job someplace else. State officials have said the next few years should bring more opportunities in engineering and manufacturing.
Nebraska
Outbound moves: 52.6%
The famous investor Warren Buffett also lives in Nebraska, but many others have concluded that the Cornhusker State just isn't the right fit. A hefty 70% of those who move away are leaving in search of work, United Van Lines found.
A 2018 report bemoaned that the lack of high-paying jobs is the leading cause of their "brain-drain." Hank Robinson, a researcher at the University of Nebraska, said in an interview for the Omaha World-Herald, "We don't need more minimum wage, jobs that require no-experience."
Maryland
Outbound moves: 53.1%
Maryland is filled with history and outdoor adventures — but people don't necessarily want to stay. The high cost of living, above-average medical costs, unreasonable taxes, and expensive property prices are all forcing Marylanders to look elsewhere for jobs and affordable retirement.
Half of the people who left were 55 and older — which isn't as shocking when we consider that we found it's one of the very worst States for older residents. The governor of Maryland has proposed cutting taxes in the State by $500 million within the next five years.
Wisconsin
Outbound moves: 54%
Despite Wisconsin's many charms, many of its residents are on their way up and out. The State's low cost of living and stable employment growth remains attractive, but housing prices have been rising rapidly.
Another negative is Wisconsin's long, harsh winters. In the State's entire recorded weather history, almost every year hit temperatures of at least 30 below zero in the winter, according to data from the National Weather Service. So maybe it's not unusual that more than half the people who moved away are scrambling for a warmer retirement destination.
Louisiana
Outbound moves: 54.3%
With its unique cuisine and music culture, friendly folks, and nearly endless outdoor activities, Louisiana is a very popular place for visitors. But many people are concluding that they wouldn't want to live here.
Job growth is dismal in Louisiana, and the taxes can be high: The average combined tax is second highest in the country at 9.46%, but employment increased by just 0.1% from 2018 to 2019. United Van Lines finds a staggering 70.8% of people who move out are heading to new jobs elsewhere.