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.

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

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