Blue state loses over 180K residents in past 5 years as high taxes weigh

"With domestic out-migration levels growing prior to the pandemic and remaining significantly elevated beyond it, it is clear out-migration is a structural phenomenon that is here to stay and not just a byproduct of remote work and the pandemic."

"Those leaving tend to be younger, between the ages of 26 and 34, and the loss of their economic activity will affect the state for decades to come. Out-migration could lead to population loss and a reduction in the labor force in 2026 as immigration is expected to drop sharply."

"Private sector employment in Massachusetts remains below its 2019 levels and private sector employment has declined by 18,000 jobs (or -0.55%) since January 2020. Over that same period, U.S. private sector job growth topped 5% while fast-growing states like North Carolina and Texas all exceeded 10%."

Massachusetts experienced significant domestic outmigration, losing about 182,000 residents between April 2020 and July 2025. The Pioneer Institute's analysis reveals this population decline represents a structural phenomenon rather than a temporary pandemic effect. Young adults aged 26-34 comprise the majority of those leaving, creating long-term economic consequences for the state. While the labor force grew to 3.9 million in 2024, this growth relied heavily on international migration adding 230,000 residents from 2022-2024. Private sector employment remains below 2019 levels, declining by 18,000 jobs since January 2020, significantly underperforming national growth of 5% and fast-growing states exceeding 10%. The unemployment rate rose to 4.8% by December, climbing steadily from a post-pandemic low of 3.2% in April 2023.

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