Iowa’s Outbound Moves: Most Popular States Former Iowans Now Call Home

There are many reasons why people relocate out of state. For me, it was work. For many, it's work or family.

It could be for school, or some people just want a fresh start. A new coat of paint, if you will.

Whatever the reason, I've compiled a list of the top 16 states Iowans move to when they leave the Hawkeye State.

Some predictable states appear, of course. Our border states, like Minnesota and Illinois, are pretty obvious. But where do they rank in terms of the most popular new homes for former Iowans? You'll find out!

Why Iowans Leave the Hawkeye State

The data used for this piece comes from the US Census Bureau, which regularly explores state-to-state migration flows.

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The main reason people move from Iowa is for work, with over 36% of former Iowans citing their job as the primary reason they left, according to a United Van Lines survey. On the flip side, 33% of those moving to Iowa are here for work.

Family is the next most common reason to leave, with retirement a close third.

Iowa is a much cheaper place to raise a family than most of the states you'll see on the list below. There was no data on Iowans leaving the state to save money, which likely means it is not a common reason to go elsewhere.

Let's Hit the Road!

As you'll see in the gallery below, our border states are well represented. Certainly, it's easier to move a few hundred miles than over a thousand.

So, where are Iowans going when they leave Iowa? Check out the data!

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