Over 668,300 people moved to Texas between 2021 and 2022, making it the second-most popular destination for US movers after Florida, according to a Business Insider analysis of Census Bureau data. This significant population influx reflects a broader national trend of wealth realignment, where individuals and companies seek greater affordability and a more favourable business climate.
Among the new residents are numerous celebrities and prominent businesspeople, who have publicly detailed their reasons for leaving states like California and New York. Their moves underscore Texas's appeal, driven by its absence of state income tax, lower cost of living, and a perceived improvement in quality of life.
A New Home for Hollywood and Business
The list of high-profile transplants is extensive and spans entertainment, sports, and technology. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, announced his personal move to Texas in 2020 and has since relocated several of his companies' headquarters to the state. Supermodel Bella Hadid moved to Fort Worth in early 2024 to be with her boyfriend and focus on her health, telling Allure magazine, "I am feeling better; my bad days now were my old good days."
Comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan left Los Angeles for Austin during the pandemic, citing a decisive moment when his children saw people enjoying a lake and said, "We want to live here!" Actor Woody Harrelson, a Texas native, returned in 2023 and has since lobbied with Matthew McConaughey for increased state film incentives, resulting in the 2025 approval of a $300 million production fund.
Family, Career, and Lifestyle Drivers
For many, the decision was familial. Actress Hilary Duff moved her family from California to be closer to her father in Texas, initially fearing career repercussions but finding that remote work via tools like Zoom made it feasible. Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves settled in Austin in 2012 after a family crisis necessitated his return, with the actor noting the return of "ritual" and family time.
Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal has purchased multiple properties in the Dallas area and opened a branch of his Big Chicken restaurant in Fort Worth, stating in June 2025 he is "75% going to move here full time." Similarly, actor Glen Powell returned to his native Austin from Los Angeles, telling USA Today he sought escape from the pressures of Hollywood for his mental health.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The celebrity migration is both a symptom and a catalyst of Texas's growing economic and cultural clout. The state's business-friendly environment has attracted entrepreneurs, while its cultural hubs like Austin and Dallas offer vibrant scenes. Scott Eastwood, son of Clint Eastwood, praised the Texan sense of community in a 2021 Flaunt interview, stating, "It slows life down a little bit."
This trend shows no signs of abating. As Christine Quinn, former star of "Selling Sunset," explained after moving to a Dallas suburb to be near family, "It’s really something that I needed as opposed to the chaos when I was in Los Angeles." The sustained inflow of people and capital positions Texas as a central player in the ongoing reconfiguration of American demographic and economic power.