A new study has named the least popular city in the U.S., where more people are looking to leave than move in. Find out which city tops the list and why residents are fleeing.
A recent study has identified the least popular city in the U.S., revealing that residents are fleeing at a higher rate than anywhere else in the country. The analysis, conducted by the moving research platform moveBuddha, sheds light on which cities Americans are most eager to leave.
While cities like San Francisco and New York attract many newcomers, there are other U.S. cities where people can’t wait to move out of. According to moveBuddha’s research, the city that topped the list of those people are most eager to escape from is a surprise to many: West Des Moines, Iowa.
From January 2024 to October 2025, moveBuddha identified the top “exit” cities in each state. Their findings concluded that for every 80 people interested in moving to West Des Moines, 100 were actively seeking information on how to leave. This stark contrast places West Des Moines as the least popular city in the entire country.
Why Are People Leaving West Des Moines?
West Des Moines, the largest suburb of the state’s capital city, Des Moines, has seen a significant population shift in recent years. Once celebrated as one of the best places to live in the U.S. by Money magazine in 2016, it has since fallen out of favor.
One factor contributing to the city’s decline in popularity is its proximity to nearby suburbs like Waukee, Ankeny, and Grimes, which offer more modern housing and construction. As noted by moveBuddha, these suburbs have become more appealing to new residents, as they offer newer homes and more affordable options compared to West Des Moines. With an average home price of $319,000, West Des Moines is considered relatively expensive by Iowa standards, further prompting people to look for alternatives.
The rise of Waukee as the state’s top suburb, with an increasing number of new building permits, has added pressure on West Des Moines. Analysts from moveBuddha pointed out that cities like Waukee, Ankeny, and Johnston are offering more up-to-date homes that appeal to people looking for modern construction at a lower price.
Migration Trends: West Des Moines to Warmer Climates
In addition to the appeal of nearby suburbs, some West Des Moines residents are choosing to relocate to warmer climates, particularly Phoenix, Arizona. According to a 2025 analysis by U.S. News & World Report, the third most popular migration route was from West Des Moines to Phoenix, with many likely seeking warmer weather, especially retirees looking for year-round sunshine.
This trend reflects a larger shift of people leaving colder climates for more temperate regions. West Des Moines, with its frigid winters and higher living costs, may no longer offer the same level of attraction it once did.
Other Least Popular U.S. Cities
The moveBuddha study also highlighted the least popular cities in each state, with the top 10 cities to avoid including:
West Des Moines, IA
San Marcos, CA
Port Richey, FL
Yonkers, NY
Moscow, ID
Norwalk, CT
Lowell, MA
Ellicott City, MD
Woodbridge, VA
Issaquah, WA
While West Des Moines leads the list, it’s clear that many Americans are choosing to leave a variety of U.S. cities for better opportunities, more affordable living, or simply a change of environment.
What Does This Mean for West Des Moines?
The findings raise questions about what West Des Moines and similar cities can do to address the growing trend of population decline. Affordable housing, updated infrastructure, and enticing economic opportunities will likely be key to reversing this trend.
