For the second year in a row, Louisiana ranks at the very top of states losing population. Louisiana took the top spot for outbound migration in 2024 and it appears there’s now slowing in sight? Is this a blip on the radar? A worrisome long-term trend for the region? Allison Plyer is Chief Demographer of the Data Center in New Orleans and past Chair of the US Census Bureau’s Scientific Advisory Committee and says the chief culprit is economics. "The state has had really weak economic growth. Since the year 2000, Louisiana has only gained 2% more jobs while the nation has grown at a rate of 20% in the same time. That's a big reason people are leaving the state," she points out.
Census data shows that when people move away from Louisiana, they aren’t going very far. The neighboring state of Arkansas sits among the top three states drawing the most new arrivals last year in an Atlas Van Lines report. Wal-Mart’s corporate headquarters and the jobs located there certainly contributed to much of that movement.Another neighboring state in Texas continues to draw Louisiana residents with new opportunities as well. Plyer says, while people from Louisiana and New Orleans have a great sense of pride about where they're from, they are ultimately having to do what's best for their families and their finances. "Texas is a booming state with a lot more job growth and opportunity and people tend not to move too far away from home if possible. People go where there are work opportunities and friends and family, so it's understandable," Plyer notes.
Factors such as affordability, safety concerns (between crime and hurricane seasons), access to health care and education opportunities are consistent concerns cited by residents of the state. While some may shrug at the outward migration, Plyer is quick to emphasize that there are real-life consequences for average residents if this trend doesn't slow down. "That's the reason elected leaders are focusing on this metric. Population loss can mean declining resources which means schools or hospitals have to close. With fewer people, there's a smaller tax base with less money to put into infrastructure, levees, and the like. So, it's definitely a concern," she points out.