NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – New York City saw a population decline in 2025 after two years of solid growth, according to a new study from the Citizens Budget Commission.
It’s a symptom of two major changes: a dramatic decline in the number of people moving in from other countries, and an increase in New Yorkers leaving for other areas in the U.S.
In 2025, 114,000 more people left New York City than came in from other parts of the country. People of all income levels are leaving the city at similar rates, according to Andrew Rein, president of the Citizens Budget Commission. Rein joined PIX11’s Emily Rahhal to break down the study.
“That’s the first uptick we’ve seen since the beginning of the pandemic, and should really raise a red flag. What is the value proposition? Why are people choosing other places?” Rein said.
To see the Citizens Budget Commission’s full report, click here.
Watch the video player for the full interview.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.
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