"Brain Drain Hits the Big Apple: Study Reveals Alarming Exodus of Low- and Middle-Income New Yorkers. For the first time in decades, New York City has experienced a net loss of residents, with a disturbing trend emerging among those who can least afford to leave: low- and middle-income households. According to a new study by the Citizens' Budget Commission, these individuals are fleeing the city at a significantly higher rate than their wealthier counterparts, sparking concerns about the long-term sustainability of the city's economic and social fabric. As the city's cost of living continues to soar, the findings raise questions about the impact on the city's diversity, economic vitality, and social cohesion."
New York City lost more residents than it gained in 2025, with low- and middle-income New Yorkers leaving at higher rates, a Citizens' Budget Commission study found.
