ExitWA

For decades, Washington attracted more people and more income than it lost. But that trend has now reversed. For the second year in a row, more income has left the state than arrived. And for the third year in a row, IRS data shows Washington is losing more taxpayers to migration than it gains.

Moving?

Are you planning to leave Washington?

We’d like to hear your story.

Tell Us More

Why are people leaving Washington?

Increasing taxes, expanding regulations, rising costs of living, and concerns about public services and governance are driving both individuals and businesses to relocate to other states. Washington has seen a steady outflow of employers, entrepreneurs, and families seeking more predictable policy environments and lower operating costs elsewhere.

Leaving Washington

Individuals

Jeff Bezos—Amazon

  • Moved From: Medina, WA
  • Moved To: Florida
  • $600M – $1B state revenue lost in first year of move

Howard Schultz—Starbucks

  • Moved From: Seattle, WA
  • Moved To: Florida
  • Estimated net worth of $3.5B

Dr. Ed Schweitzer—Schweitzer Engineering

  • Moved From: Pullman, WA
  • Moved To: Idaho

Aaron Koelsch—Koelsch Senior Communities

  • Moving From: Olympia, WA
  • Moving To: Arizona
  • Reason: Death Tax and an overall poor tax environment

What people are saying…

Tired of BS

“Olympia sucks and don’t see hope in the near future of changes. Tired of BS but still fighting…” — Dennis, Kennewick

Dream Now Impossible

“The dream to purchase a home isn’t financially responsible or realistic in Washington as the taxes keep increasing.” — Tami, Sedro-Woolley

Sustainability for Families

“Over time, the rising cost of living… has made it increasingly unsustainable for my family.” — Shelley, Renton

Politicians Ignoring Will

“I am tired of a state where the politicians have no regard for the will of the people…” — John, Yakima

Crime and Control

“High taxes, too much government control. Lack of enforcement for criminals (increase in crime).” — Michelle, Arlington

Voices Not Listened To

“We do not feel listened to by the majority of the legislative leadership… The list is too long and feels impossible to overcome.” — Randal, Olympia

Taxes and Politics

“It’s really sad but the taxes the politics and everything going on around us will make it impossible to stay.” — Jamie, Ridgefield

Woke Administrative State

“It has become has become an administrative state run by WOKE bureaucrats and WOKE politicians. They are like a tape worm…” — Jonn, Lakewood

Fixed Income Struggle

“I’m a disabled veteran living on a fixed income. Costs are continuing to outpace yearly COLA payments.” — David, Lakewood

Increasing Cost Burden

“Because of the way taxes and cost of living keep increasing due to the politicians in this state going behind the peoples backs…” — Desiree, Clark

No Longer Affordable

“Now, I’m planning my departure. Washington State is no longer free, no longer affordable.” — Wayne, Spokane

Lower Living Costs

“While Illinois is as bad or worse than Washington in terms of governance, taxes… at least the day to day cost of living will be less.” — James, Bellevue

Tolerated Policies Intolerable

“The liberal and tolerant policies which contributed to people living outside and destroying the water, forests, and cities became intolerable.” — Darlene, Port Angeles

Plundered Citizen Piggybank

“We have a legislature that treats the citizens of the state as nothing more than a piggybank to be plundered, with no accountability.” — S., Vancouver

Beautiful State Ruined

“I am so sick and tired of the Democrats ruining this beautiful state.” — Tony, Maple Valley

Stifling Forced Changes

“The changes we’ve seen and been forced to live through are stifling and frankly smothering!” — Lori, Arlington

Everything Costly Now

“As much as I love living here the price for everything is just getting out of hand.” — Susan, Tacoma

Liberal Cancer Spreading

“Spokane is not the same as when we lived there. The liberal cancer has spread…” — Steve, Spokane

Price Out Life

“I worked hard all my life… and my reward is for the state to price me out of life.” — Mark, Chelan

Ruined For Everyone

“WA wa a beautiful state and you have ruined it for just about everyone.” — Daniel, Moses Lake

Values Have Changed

“Most importantly, I share the values most Idahoans have. Washington values have changed over the past 2 decades.” — Gregory, Seattle

Cannot Afford Retirement

“I no longer feel save nor do I think that in my retirement years… I will be able to afford to live here.” — Suzi, Puyallup

Forced To Move Away

“After being born, going to school, raising a family… all in the State of Washington, you are going to force me to move away.” — Michael, Chewelah

Constitutional Rights Attacked

“…not to mention the political atmosphere and the outrageous attack on my constitutional rights!” — Ty, Kelso

Businesses

Individual+HQ

Ken Fisher and Fisher Investments

  • Moved From: Camas, WA
  • Moved To: Texas
  • Founder Ken Fisher, company HQ, and some staff move, high-income clients no longer required to pay some Washington State taxes

Moment Camera Company

  • Moving From: Seattle, WA
  • Moving To: Wyoming
  • Reason: Expanded retail sales tax and B&O tax to include digital advertising and digital business services, applying a 10% tax rate.

Rise Baking Company

  • Moving From: Kent, WA
  • Moving To: Utah
  • 120 workers are being laid off