Because CA it is not "The Place to Be' since shortly after the early 2000's anyway, nor low in taxes, nor better for employment opportunities.
California is still losing Californians. It’s no mystery why
LA Times (Such a bastion of conservatism)
https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2024-04-08/california-exodus-no-mystery-why-essential-california
THE GREAT CALIFORNIA EXODUS: A Closer Look
The golden age of migration into the state is over. 'Since early 2000's', California has been sending more people to
other American states than it receives from them.
What has caused California’s transformation from a “pull in” to a “push out” state? The data have revealed several
crucial drivers.
One is chronic economic adversity (in most years, California unemployment is above the national
average).
Another is density: the Los Angeles and Orange County region now has a population density of 6,999.3
per square mile—well ahead of New York or Chicago. Dense coastal areas are a source of internal migration, as
people seek more space in California’s interior, as well as migration to other states.
A third factor is state and local governments’ constant fiscal instability, which sends at least two discouraging messages to businesses and individuals.
One is 'businesses and individuals' cannot count on state and local governments to provide essential services—much less, tax breaks or other incentives.
Second, chronically out-of-balance budgets can be seen as tax hikes waiting to happen.
Civic Report, No. 71 September 2012
How does California’s tax code compare in 2024?
California has a graduated state individual income tax, with rates ranging from 1.00 percent to 13.30 percent.
California has a 8.84 percent corporate income tax rate.
California has a 7.25 percent state sales tax rate,
A max local sales tax rate of 4.75 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.85 percent.
California has the highest gas tax rate in the nation at 77.90 cents per gallon.
California’s tax system ranks 48th overall on our 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index.
The 10 lowest-ranked, or worst, states in this year’s Index are:
41. Rhode Island
42. Hawaii
43. Vermont
44. Minnesota
45.Maryland
46. Massachusetts
47. Connecticut
48. California
49. New York
50. New Jersey
Tax Foundation - As a nonpartisan, educational organization, the Tax Foundation has earned a reputation for independence and credibility. All Tax Foundation research is guided by the principles of sound tax policy—simplicity, transparency, neutrality, and stability—which should serve as touchstones for policymakers and taxpayers everywhere.
California’s unemployment rate increased to 5.3 percent for April 2024.
The US national unemployment rate in the United States was 3.9% for April
NCSL - The National Conference of State Legislatures, created by state legislators and legislative staff in 1975, serves America’s 50 states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia.
