By: Leslie Black-Plumeau

July 9, 2015

About 3.5% of Vermont’s population moved out of the state in 2012-2013—about the same number as those moving in, according to Census estimates. This means that the number of people moving in and out of the state had no net effect on the state’s total population.

Having equal sized flows in and out of the state is not unique for Vermont. The earliest estimates available in this format (for 2004-2005) show that roughly the same number of people moved in and out of the state in that year. 

Vermont’s experience mirrors that of several New England states.  Both Rhode Island and New Hampshire had in- and out-migration rates in the 3-4% range.  

More fun factoids:

  • Maine was the only New England state to experience a statistically significant increase in population due to migration in 2012-2013. About 8,000 more people moved into Maine than moved out during the year.
  • On the flip side, Massachusetts was the only New England state to experience a statistically significant decrease in population due to migration.  During 2012-2013, about 20,000 more people moved out of Massachusetts than moved in. 
  • Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York are the top three states from which Vermonters moved to and from in 2012-2013.
  • Although out-migration estimates are not readily available by age, we do know that nationally about three-quarters of all movers between states are under the age of 40. 

This analysis focused on moves between U.S. states, not moves outside of the country because once people move outside the U.S., they are no longer included in the Census Bureau’s survey.