N.J. census data show mixed bag

TRENTON - New Jersey has more people leaving than coming in, but the loss is mostly among the less affluent and less educated.

That's according to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau and state tax data released yesterday by Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School.

The analysis of data between 2000 and 2006 found that among people making less than $66,000 a year, more people were leaving the state than coming in. The situation was reversed for those making more than $66,000.

There was a similar situation with education levels: More people without a college degree were moving out than moving in, while those with a bachelor's degree or higher were gaining in numbers.

Many of those who leave are going to states with lower taxes and costs of living.

"Migration out of New Jersey is almost entirely due to low-income individuals' moving to areas with lower living costs. The most important step to reduce outmigration would be to improve the affordability of housing in the state, particularly for low-income residents," the authors of the report said.

New Jersey's property taxes, which average $6,800 per homeowner, are the nation's highest. Many say that's why people are leaving. However, Gov. Corzine called the report's findings "positive news for New Jersey."

"What this study shows is that migration is a byproduct of prosperity and not tax policy," Corzine said.

The Princeton report's writers - sociology and public affairs professor Douglas Massey and graduate students Cristobal Young and Charles Varner - say it's hard to argue that the outward migration is a symptom of an economy in decline.

"The growing affluence of New Jersey is pushing out low-income individuals who are simply unable to afford the high cost of living," the report said.