New York State is navigating complex demographic changes, marked by both population loss and modest gains. The state experienced significant out-migration to other states, ranking second highest in raw population loss and leading the nation in percentage loss.

Population Trends: A Mixed Picture

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, between 2024 and 2025, 137,000 New York residents moved to other states. This figure represents the second-highest raw loss nationally, following California’s loss of 229,077 residents. New York also recorded the highest percentage loss due to domestic migration, at 0.69%.

Gains Offset Losses

Despite the substantial out-migration, New York’s overall population increased by 1,008 people during the same period. This slight gain was driven by a combination of natural population growth and international immigration exceeding the number of residents leaving for other states. This was the smallest percentage addition of any U.S. state that gained population.

Political Reactions to Population Data

These population trends have sparked political debate, with Republican Marc Molinaro criticizing the current administration’s policies. Molinaro, currently campaigning for a New York state Assembly seat after previously serving in Congress and as administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, has been vocal on social media.

Molinaro's Criticism

On February 14th, Molinaro posted on X, stating, “You have driven NYers to the financial cliff! Highest tax burden in America, exploding electric & energy costs, leading in population loss.” He further emphasized the struggles faced by families, farmers, and small businesses, and criticized bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Long-Term Population Decline

New York’s population has been declining since 2020, with a total loss of 119,835 residents. This is the second-highest raw number decline behind California. Other states experiencing population losses since 2020 include Illinois, Louisiana, West Virginia, Hawaii, and Mississippi.

On a percentage basis, New York’s loss from 2020 to 2025 was the fifth-largest in the nation, with a decline of almost 0.6%. West Virginia, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Illinois experienced larger percentage declines.

Five other states – California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Vermont, and West Virginia – did not experience population gains during the measured period.