Arizona Welcomes Over 256K New Residents in Latest Census Surge

PHOENIX — New data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals a significant influx of residents to Arizona, with over 256,000 newcomers recorded last year. Nearly 25% of these individuals relocated from outside the United States, indicating a diverse migration pattern.

The statistics also highlight notable domestic migration. More than 54,000 people moved from California to Arizona, often viewed through the lens of political discontent. However, this narrative is complicated by the fact that around 21,000 Arizonans opted to move to California during the same period.

Texas, another conservative stronghold, saw nearly 17,000 residents choosing Arizona as their new home. Interestingly, about 19,900 Arizonans made the reverse journey to the Lone Star State, suggesting that political climate alone does not drive migration choices.

Weather influences these decisions as well. Over 6,700 newcomers came from Michigan, and almost 5,700 moved from Minnesota, likely seeking relief from harsh winters. Conversely, approximately 4,000 Arizonans left for Michigan, and around 4,800 left for Minnesota, showing that climate is a double-edged sword.

Job opportunities also play a critical role in migration trends. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2.1% job growth in Arizona for 2023, ranking it 12th nationwide. This economic expansion likely contributed to over 7,600 New Yorkers relocating to Arizona, despite about 3,500 Arizonans heading to New York.

Oregon is another state that contributed significantly to Arizona’s growth, with nearly 10,500 residents making the move. In contrast, 7,144 Arizonans left for Oregon during the same time frame.

Washington state also saw a substantial migration pattern, with over 12,800 people coming to Arizona, while 10,675 Arizonans chose to move north. Intriguingly, many other states attracted more Arizonans than they sent, including Alabama and Colorado.

The overall migration narrative shows that Arizona’s population continues to grow, with the state now ranking 14th in terms of overall population. However, the majority of current residents—around 4.52 million—were not born in Arizona. Out of the state’s 7.43 million residents, only 2.91 million are native to the state.

The unique demographic mix includes nearly 1.1 million foreign-born residents, constituting about 14% of the population. Additionally, over 768,000 current residents hail from California, indicating that the West Coast continues to be a major source of new Arizonans. With such diverse origins contributing to its population, Arizona’s landscape will likely continue to evolve in the coming years.