The American population may have seen one of its slowest growth rates in 120 years between 2019 and 2020, but that didn’t stop a considerable number of individuals from relocating. Shifts were notable, especially in the western and southern regions, with California and New York experiencing significant declines while other states saw surges in newcomers. Drawing from data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, Stacker delved into the migration patterns shaping Arizona's demographics, spotlighting the top ten states contributing the most individuals to Arizona in 2019. Here’s a closer look at the states steering this migration wave and their mutual exchange with the Grand Canyon State.  

#10. New Mexico

In 2019, Arizona welcomed 7,251 new residents from New Mexico, accounting for 2.9% of newcomers from out-of-state. Notably, it ranked as the second most frequented destination for those leaving New Mexico. On the flip side, Arizona saw 4,255 residents head in the opposite direction, making it the twelfth most common destination from Arizona.

#9. Florida

7,358 individuals made the move from Florida to Arizona in 2019, constituting 2.9% of out-of-state migrants. While it stood as the twenty-first most common destination from Florida, Arizona reciprocated this movement with 7,054 residents relocating to the Sunshine State, ranking sixth in popularity for Arizonans seeking a change.

#8. Nevada

Arizona experienced an influx of 7,514 newcomers from Nevada in 2019, comprising 3.0% of the state's incoming migration. Impressively, it ranked as the third most sought-after destination for those leaving Nevada. Conversely, 8,636 residents moved from Arizona to Nevada, marking it as the fourth most common destination for Arizonans.

#7. Michigan

With 7,914 individuals making the shift from Michigan to Arizona in 2019, it accounted for 3.1% of incoming migration, ranking as the sixth most common destination from Michigan. However, the flow was reciprocated with 3,447 Arizonans relocating to Michigan, placing it fifteenth on the list of popular destinations from Arizona.

#6. Utah

Utah contributed significantly to Arizona's population, with 8,917 residents relocating in 2019, making up 3.5% of the state's incoming migration. Surprisingly, Arizona was the second most common destination for those departing Utah. Conversely, 6,301 Arizonans moved to Utah, ranking it eighth in popularity for those leaving Arizona.

#5. Illinois

Arizona welcomed 10,915 newcomers from Illinois in 2019, amounting to 4.3% of the state's incoming migration. It stood as the eighth most common destination for those leaving Illinois. Simultaneously, 5,054 individuals made the shift from Arizona to Illinois, placing it tenth in preference for Arizonans seeking a change.

#4. Colorado

Colorado contributed significantly to Arizona's population growth, with 14,684 individuals moving in 2019, constituting 5.8% of the state's incoming migration. Impressively, it ranked third in popularity for those leaving Colorado. Conversely, 10,616 Arizonans moved to Colorado, making it the third most common destination for those leaving Arizona.

#3. Texas

Texas had a significant influence on Arizona's population dynamics, sending 17,482 individuals in 2019, representing 6.9% of the state's incoming migration. While Arizona ranked as the eighth most common destination for those leaving Texas, it reciprocated with 21,205 residents making the move from Arizona to Texas, marking it as the second most common destination for Arizonans.

#2. Washington

In 2019, 17,636 individuals migrated from Washington to Arizona, contributing 7.0% of the state's incoming migration. Arizona stood as the third most common destination for those leaving Washington. Conversely, 8,263 Arizonans moved to Washington, making it the fifth most common destination for those leaving Arizona.

#1. California

The Golden State led the pack in sending the highest number of residents to Arizona in 2019, with a staggering 59,713 individuals making the move, constituting a whopping 23.6% of the state's incoming migration. Impressively, Arizona ranked as the second most common destination for those leaving California. In return, 28,226 Arizonans relocated to California, making it the most common destination for individuals leaving Arizona. The movement of people between states isn't just a statistic; it represents a shift in lifestyles, opportunities, and cultural exchanges. Arizona's allure as a destination of choice continues to influence and be influenced by these dynamic migration patterns.