A recent analysis of census data by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas indicates that Texas natives are more likely to stay in their home state, with approximately 82% remaining, in contrast to national migration patterns, The Texas Tribune reported. This phenomenon is believed to be influenced by factors such as state pride, a growing economy and the geographical size of Texas.
Texas has been recognized as the “stickiest state” in the U.S., with a native retention rate of 76%, largely due to its appeal to workers and relative housing affordability. This contrasts with other states grappling with rising living costs. The research also notes that stickier states often feature large cities, lower tax burdens and warmer climates, explaining Texas’ allure despite its hot summers. North Carolina closely follows Texas with a 75.5% native retention rate, while states like Wyoming, North Dakota and Alaska have higher rates of native residents leaving, with less than half choosing to stay.
On Aug. 30, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recognized these findings on his official account on X. Abbott added a lighter note, pointing out that Texas is also No. 1 for barbecue and breakfast tacos, a fact he thinks is also cherished among Texans.
The researchers also noted that four out of the five stickiest states have below-average state and local tax burdens, underlining the impact of taxation on resident retention, Dallas News reported. Texas in particular stood out as one of the nine states with no state income tax, a factor that may discourage residents born in low-tax states from relocating to high-tax states due to the potential reduction in take-home pay and the resulting impact on their standard of living, as highlighted in their findings.
