#10: Missouri

Inbound moves: 50.9%
Outbound moves: 49.1%

Missouri, often unfairly labeled as “Misery,” actually sits in the middle ground when it comes to inbound and outbound moves. The sluggish job market emerges as the prime driver for residents packing their bags, with over 38% seeking fresh employment opportunities elsewhere.

While some may attribute their departure to Missouri’s unpredictable weather, others point to the weight of local and state taxes, which, according to Forbes Advisor, can tax income from a Missouri business up to 5.4%. While Missouri’s growth may be slower than many states, a University of Missouri article highlights that it holds its own compared to its Midwestern counterparts.