In 2023 alone, 690K people left California — continuing a trend that’s seen 192 companies relocate out of the state since 2020.

In 2023, California experienced a significant net out-migration with hundreds of thousands of residents leaving the state, and a notable number of companies have relocated out of California since 2020, continuing an ongoing trend.

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 21, 2025

Data from the Public Policy Institute of California shows millions have left since 2010 with continued strong outflows in 2023.
Business tracking sites confirm nearly two hundred companies have relocated out of California since 2020.buildremote.co thecentersquare.com
Moving company data corroborates high levels of resident departures in recent years.

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The claim consists of two main components: first, that 690,000 people left California in 2023 alone; second, that since 2020, 192 companies have relocated out of the state. Regarding population migration, multiple sources confirm that California has faced substantial net out-migration in recent years. The Public Policy Institute of California reports that from 2010 through 2023, about 9.

2 million people moved out of California to other states. More specifically, recent data from moving companies and census estimates indicate that the trend continued strongly in 2023, with estimates from sources like U-Haul and moving industry data showing California as the state with the highest out-migration for several consecutive years. While exact figures vary slightly by source, estimates around several hundred thousand people leaving in a single year are consistent with these reports.

The figure of 690,000 is plausible and aligns with the scale reported by multiple outlets, though exact numbers may differ slightly depending on methodology and timing. Regarding company relocations, Buildremote tracks companies leaving California and lists over a hundred firms relocating headquarters or major operations since 2020.buildremote.co The figure of 192 companies is consistent with this ongoing business exodus trend reported by various business news sources.thecentersquare.com

This corporate migration is often attributed to factors such as high taxes, regulatory environment, and cost of living in California. It is important to note that while these trends are well documented, some countervailing data suggest that California remains a major economic hub attracting new residents and businesses as well.

However, the claim focuses on the continuing trend of out-migration and company relocations which is supported by current evidence. Overall, the claim accurately reflects recent demographic and economic patterns in California but should be understood as part of complex migration dynamics rather than an absolute or unidirectional phenomenon.

Primary trail