Sticky Or Not
How many Americans still live in the state they were born in? It's an interesting question—and one that has led to studies to determine which states are the most "sticky" and, by default, which are the least "sticky". New York might be the state so nice they named it twice—but what states are so nice that people don't want to leave? Let's dive into the results...
Starting with the five stickiest states...
5: Utah
Some of the numbers go back a few years, but good weather, positive job growth, and a sense of community all make Utahns happy enough that 72.9% of folks born in the state were still there as we entered the current decade. We also have to assume that the 60% Mormon population also plays a role in people sticking around.
4: California
Famous for being able to go skiing and surfing in the same day, California definitely has the weather thing down. And while the recent wildfires might lead to less sticky numbers in the future—the last numbers saw 73% of native Californians staying put. The diversity of people and cultures and the glut of great food and economic opportunities also keep people from leaving.
Grindstone Media Grp, Adobe Stock
3: Georgia
Of course you have the folks that just absolutely adore peaches—but it isn't just the yummy fruit that keeps the Peach State sticky. From Savannah to Hot-lanta, Georgia features Southern charm and big city appeal all within its borders, earning it a nice 74.2% stickiness.
2: North Carolina
Bordering Georgia to the north is North Carolina. A state with a rich history (it was the 12th state admitted into The Union) and a varied geographical landscape. The Tarheel State also has a pretty affordable cost of living which keeps people around to the tune of 75.5%.
Grindstone Media Grp, Adobe Stock
1: Texas
While it isn't true that EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas—the state does have the highest sticky percentage of any state in the country. As we've seen, good weather, economic opportunity and large, lively cities all work together to keep folks from emigrating out of a state. And Texas has all those in spades. It also has an impressive 82% stickiness among its population.
And now for the five least sticky states...
5: Rhode Island
If larger states have a better sticky-rate, then it makes sense that the smallest state in The Union would be in the bottom five. There's just less opportunity in such a small state—and the cost to pick up and leave is less. Rhode Islanders stick around at a rate of 55.2%.
Wirestock Creators, Adobe Stock
4: South Dakota
While South Dakota was ranked as the 18th best state to live in by WalletHub in 2024—it could be the state's below average rankings in Education, Health, and Quality of Life that cause only 54.2% of folks "stick" around.
3: Alaska
Given the remote state's distance from the other 49, picking up and moving isn't as easy as 1-2-3. But we have to imagine that the climate and remoteness isn't ideal for everyone. And while Alaskans are very proud of their state and their ability to live in a place that most Americans couldn't, one can understand the desire to find an easier environment—and a more affordable one as well (Alaska ranks among the 10 least affordable states in The Union).
Their sticky percentage is 48.7%.
2: North Dakota
Like their neighbors to the south, North Dakotans are picking up and moving to another state at a relatively high rate. In fact, the 48.6% sticky number is only better than one other state. That state being...
1: Wyoming
Wyoming is the least-populous state in the country and, given its large size, has the second-lowest population density (after Alaska). So, while some love the vast landscapes and minimal people—it obviously isn't for everyone. Wyoming has the lowest sticky percentage in the country at 45.2%.
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