"Brain Drain in the Big Apple: NYC Experiences Net Loss of Residents for First Time in Decades. A stark new study from the Citizens' Budget Commission reveals that New York City witnessed a historic shift in 2025, with more residents fleeing the city than arriving. The alarming trend is particularly pronounced among low- and middle-income New Yorkers, who have been leaving at a higher rate than their wealthier counterparts. As the city grapples with rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and increased competition for affordable housing, the exodus of its most vulnerable populations raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the city's social and economic fabric."
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.
