Utah Invasion! Where Are They Coming From?

You don't have to be in your car very long on the streets here in southern Utah to notice vehicles with out of state license plates. Of course, some of those will be on vehicles that are passing through our area enjoying the recreational opportunities that abound here. Or they could be out of state students who have come to school at one of the fine institutions of higher education in the region.

It's also becoming more likely that those out of state plates are on vehicles whose owners have recently (and sometimes not so recently) packed up and made their way to become residents of the Beehive State.

There's a lot of reason why people will move. Economic factors often play a central role in prompting people to move out of state. Job prospects, higher salaries, and lower living costs can lure individuals seeking better financial stability. In today's globalized economy, where industries thrive in specific regions, professionals may find themselves compelled to relocate to cities or states known for their booming sectors.

Quality of life considerations often drive interstate migration. Individuals may seek out states with better healthcare systems, superior educational institutions, or safer neighborhoods. Climate and recreational amenities also weigh heavily in decisions to move, with some individuals drawn to states offering warmer weather or greater outdoor recreational opportunities.

Family ties frequently influence relocation decisions. This is one I seem to hear the most often, “I came to be closer to family.” Whether to be closer to relatives or to escape familial tensions, the desire for familial proximity or distance can motivate interstate moves. Moreover, life transitions such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children may prompt individuals to seek a fresh start in a different state.

Political and social factors can also impact relocation choices. Individuals may move to states aligning more closely with their political beliefs or seeking a more inclusive social environment. Additionally, concerns about crime rates, social unrest, or governmental policies may prompt people to seek refuge in states perceived as safer or more politically stable. We might be looking at you, California.

Whatever the reason, people are making their way to Utah in big numbers. So the question is, where are they coming from. Stacker did some research and came up with the top 25 states sending people to Utah. Tennessee was number 25 on the list sending 730 people to Utah in 2022.

To see the Top 5 states adding to the population of Utah, keep scrolling.