Tax Payers are Voting Wth Thier Feet ,Fleeing High-Tax States for “Trump Country”
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A massive demographic shift is redrawing the map of America. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2025 data released this week, the trend of “voting with your feet” has hit a fever pitch.
As high-tax, Democrat-leaning states face a population “hemorrhage,” low-tax, Republican-leaning states are seeing an unprecedented influx of residents and businesses. The message from the American people is clear: they are chasing affordability, growth, and a lower tax burden.
The Migration Winners and Losers
The latest analysis from Unleash Prosperity reveals a stark divide in where Americans choose to build their futures.
States Gaining the Most (Domestic Migration):
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North Carolina 📈
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Texas 📈
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South Carolina 📈
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Tennessee 📈
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Arizona 📈
States Losing the Most (Domestic Migration):
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California 📉
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New York 📉
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Illinois 📉
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New Jersey 📉
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Massachusetts 📉
The Political Fingerprint: Former White House spokesman Ari Fleischer noted a glaring correlation: Trump carried the top 10 states gaining population, while the top 10 states losing residents were all states won by the Democratic ticket in recent elections.
The “Chip” on Massachusetts’ Shoulder: Cape Cod Chips Relocates
Perhaps the most symbolic casualty of this shift is the iconic Cape Cod Potato Chips. After decades of being synonymous with the Massachusetts coast, parent company Campbell’s recently announced the closure of its Hyannis plant.
While the brand identity remains rooted in the Cape, the “economic reality” of operating in a high-cost manufacturing environment has forced production to shift to more efficient facilities in states like North Carolina and Pennsylvania. It is a classic example of “Exit, Voice, and Loyalty”—where businesses, unable to change the policies of their home state, simply choose to leave.
By the Numbers: The Cost of Living in a “Blue” State
Investment firm First Trust broke down the migration data by tax burden, and the results are eye-opening. They ranked states from 1 (least tax-burdened) to 50 (most tax-burdened):
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The Top 10 Winners: Boasted an average tax burden rank of 18.
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The Top 10 Losers: Exhibited a staggering average tax burden rank of 39.
For the average family, moving from a “Top 10 Loser” state to a “Top 10 Winner” can result in thousands of dollars in annual savings—money that stays in their pockets rather than going to state coffers.
2026 Outlook: A New Economic Geography
As we move through 2026, these trends show no signs of slowing. With the South Carolina economy booming and Texas continuing its reign as the nation’s “corporate magnet,” the political and economic center of gravity in the U.S. is moving South and West.
| Metric | Growth States (Avg) | Declining States (Avg) |
| Tax Burden Rank | 18 | 39 |
| 2024 Election Result | Trump | Harris |
| Net Migration | Positive (+) | Negative (-) |
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But it tends to be a case of selfishness. Many of these people who move to more tax friendly States are Democrats. They want to privately pay less taxes, but still vote D where they move to.
Agreed.. They turned red states to purple like Texas. All the refugee limousine liberals from California moved to Texas, but still vote Democrat
What is hard to understand? People are tired of getting “blanked” on taxes. Wouldn’t call it selfish and if it is, who cares. It’s our money we are protecting
Selfish in this case are voting Democrats wanting to pay less taxes, while continuing to vote D. Aren’t they the party of pay your fair share? And they also can’t seem to understand that it’s always Blue states that have these high tax rates.
I’m retired. I just don’t know what to do, I love New Jersey, but it’s going to be very expensive to live here. I’m glad I could still get cyanide.
I guess THAT’S why single family homes in NJ are STILL selling way above asking price! All it shows is that wealthier people are moving in & will benefit from a state with better amenities, like schools, medical care, safety. The migrating people will have get used to lower quality school systems (unless they pay top dollar for private or home school) & waiting to be airlifted to the nearest level 2 or level 1 hospital. Oh, btw, there’s a national shortage on helicopter med-evacs too. You get what you pay for.