The most popular states for college-educated Americans have been revealed after a HireAHelper study examined the places with the largest net gains and losses of degree-owning residents.
The study sought to track the "brain drain" effect across the U.S. amid a historic housing supply shortage, high mortgage rates and the rising cost of living in some urban areas.
"Brain Drain" refers to the process of a region or country's most highly educated residents migrating away, which can happen for any number of reasons.
Washington State – the biggest winner in terms of influx of college-educated Americans – saw a net gain of +169 percent. The state received more than three times as many graduates than it lost.
Second most popular was South Carolina, with a net move of +137 percent.
Nevada was the third most popular state with those who held a degree. The Silver State had a net move of +111 percent for college-educated Americans.
Wisconsin closely followed with +110 percent influx.
South Dakota, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma were amongst the states with the biggest exodus of graduates.
South Dakota had a -72 percent net loss, -67 percent for Mississippi, with Louisiana and Oklahoma both at -62 percent.
As for why so many Americans with a college degree decided to make a move, "new job" was 73 percent more likely to be cited amongst this group as the reason.
State tax structures might also explain graduate relocation patterns.
Of the three top destination states for college graduates, two (Washington and Nevada) had no state income taxes.
The study drew on 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey and Annual Social and Economic Supplements.
Mass exits may also be tied to rent, property prices and the general cost of living.
A New York Times analysis from 2023 found that historically popular but notoriously costly cities including New York and San Francisco were hemorrhaging highly educated residents.
According to Redfin data, the average New York rent currently stands at over $4000 a month, whilst Zillow estimated average home values in the city to be in excess of $746,000.
Rent and home values in San Francisco were more than $3,400 and $1.2 million respectively.
Cost of living issues could also be compounded by rising tuition fees in multiple U.S. states.
Connecticut, Massachusetts and Virginia are amongst the states with the highest rise in cost for public universities.
Newsweek contacted Miranda Marquit, consumer advocate and spokesperson for HireAHelper for further details on the findings of the report.
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Joe Edwards is a Live News Reporter in Newsweek's London bureau.
