New York City saw a population decline of approximately 12,000 residents in 2025, reversing the previous two years' growth of 70,000 in 2023 and 163,000 in 2024, largely due to increased immigration. According to a report from the Citizens Budget Commission, the decline is attributed to tighter immigration policies that led to a 70% reduction in international in-migration, coupled with a rise in domestic out-migration. The report highlights that 114,000 residents left for other parts of the U.S., an increase from 94,000 the previous year, although still below the pandemic peak of 330,000 in 2021. The rising cost of living, particularly housing, plays a significant role in these migration trends. The median asking rent in NYC climbed nearly 7% to $3,585, making it increasingly difficult for residents to afford housing. This situation is compounded by a median household income of approximately $85,549, which falls short of the income needed to meet standard affordability benchmarks. The report indicates that the out-migration is not limited to wealthy individuals; residents across various demographics are leaving the city, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with the quality of life in New York City. As blue states like New York continue to experience net population losses, the future growth of the city appears uncertain.