Percent of Residents Born in Each US State [Map]
Homegrown or newcomer? States where Americans stay put. And others where they move.
Hello Eggsters - This week we’re asking (and answering) a simple question with a map: how many people are still living in the state where they were born?
We mapped the share of residents who are “homegrown” — born in their state and still living there — using fresh Census Bureau data.
Map of the Week
Percent of US Residents Born in Their Current Residential State.
Each US state is shaded to show a high percent of residents born and still living in that state (dark blue) or low percent of residents born and still living in that state (light blue, light green).
Cracking it Open
Rooted and Resilient: Michigan and Louisiana top the loyalty chart, with over 80% of residents staying put. If you’re born there, chances are you’re sticking around.
Nomadic Neighbors: Nevada and Florida tell the opposite story, with less than half of residents born locally. These are the classic “move-to” states - magnets for retirees, sun seekers, and job chasers.
Middle Ground: Most states fall somewhere between 55–70%, balancing hometown pride with some a healthy amount of change.
Why it Matters
States with high “born-here” rates often have deep cultural continuity. States with lower rates are more dynamic, shaped by waves of newcomers. Neither is better or worse - just different flavors of America.