New Moving Data Shows Thousands in Missouri Want to Be a Cowboy

I say if you have a dream you need to do your best to live it. For thousands in Missouri, that apparently means visions of riding the plains and herding cattle like a real cowboy based on brand new moving data.

I saw this story shared today by Fox 2 in St. Louis. It's based on new migration data by the US Census Bureau who have recently compiled their most recent full year stats about where Missouri residents move to when they leave the state. One of the top 5 is curious to me, but also not that surprising.

In just one year (2023), 10,833 Missouri people moved to Texas. Yee haw! That makes the Lone Star State the 3rd most popular moving destinations for those who decide the Show Me State is just too much for them.

I have many many friends who live in Texas. A couple I went to school with in Missouri that decided they wanted to move south, but it was for career reasons and not cowboy aspirations. I think the perception of many is that the economy in Texas is stronger and opportunities are more available than Missouri.

One word of caution for those who might be tempted to make this leap - the power grid in Texas is questionable.

I'll admit it. I've talked to my wife about eventually relocating to Texas at some point in our lives. I have many friends and family there and I sure don't like snow, so maybe it'll happen someday. Oh, and despite my last name, I do not have any cowboy or gunfighter aspirations that I'm willing to admit.