Migration Matters: Tracking the Movement of People in and out of the Inner Capital Region

A new report released by the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC) finds that while the Capital Region continues to experience modest population loss due to out-of-state migration, it remains one of the strongest-performing regions in New York State and continues to attract residents from within the state.

The report, Migration Matters: Tracking the Movement of People In and Out of the Inner Capital Region, analyzes Internal Revenue Service (IRS) migration data for 2022–2023, offering insight into domestic migration patterns affecting Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. The findings highlight how interstate and intrastate migration trends are shaping the region’s population and economic future.

Key findings from the report include:

• The Inner Capital Region experienced a modest net domestic migration loss of 556 residents in 2022–2023.
• Despite net losses, the Inner Capital Region ranked third among New York State regions in migration performance.
• Net interstate migration, particularly to states such as Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas, and South Carolina, remains the primary driver of population decline.
• Intrastate migration provided a significant offset, with strong inflows from New York City and the Mid-Hudson region.
• Saratoga County continued to lead regional growth, while Schenectady County saw the strongest gains from New York City migrants.
• The region experienced natural population decline for the first time (with deaths far outpacing births), underscoring the growing importance of migration in sustaining population and workforce levels.

The report concludes that while the Inner Capital Region faces ongoing demographic challenges, including sustained outmigration to other states, an aging population, and declining birth rates, it continues to demonstrate resilience within New York State. Strong in-state migration, particularly from downstate regions, highlights the area’s continued appeal and its role as a destination within the state. As these trends evolve, understanding migration patterns will remain essential for informing regional planning, housing policy, workforce development, and long-term economic growth.

Migration Matters: Tracking the Movement of People In and Out of the Inner Capital Region