Coronado is a small place with a big pull, and the numbers show it. About 8.5% of the residents of ZIP 92118 lived in another state a year earlier, compared with 2.2% across San Diego County. This page puts the public data in one place, county by county and state by state, and then turns it into a list of things to compare and a checklist for your own move.
Migration Data
Moving To and From Coronado: What the Migration Data Shows
Where people moved to and from San Diego County in 2022–2023, how quickly Coronado’s own residents turn over, what to compare before you move, and a checklist.
Where these numbers come from
Three public data sets answer three different questions. None of them names a person or a household, and none can say why anyone moved.
- IRS county-to-county migration. The IRS compares the addresses on tax returns from one year to the next and counts the people (the filer, a spouse and dependents) whose county changed. It shows where people came from and where they went, by county and state. It is the best public picture of who moves between counties, but it leaves out people who do not file a return, and it hides very small flows.
- Census Bureau population estimates. Each year the Census Bureau splits a county’s population change into births minus deaths, domestic migration and international migration. It shows the direction and size of the change but not the counties on the other end.
- American Community Survey (ACS). A yearly survey that asks residents where they lived one year earlier. The five-year estimates are available for ZIP codes, so they are the only public source here that speaks to a single ZIP code.
The IRS and Census population figures are published by county, so they describe San Diego County as a whole. Only the ACS speaks for ZIP code 92118, which is Coronado.
The big picture
Moving in and moving out: the big picture
Two public sources, the IRS and the Census Bureau, count moves into and out of San Diego County.
Moving in, moving out, net
People counted on tax returns (adults and their dependents) whose address changed between counties; grouped by where they came from or went. Source: IRS Statistics of Income.
| Where from or to | Moved in 2022–2023 | Moved out 2022–2023 | Net 2022–2023 | Net 2021–2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other California counties | 44,138 | 40,714 | +3,424 | +2,646 |
| Other states | 61,537 | 83,686 | −22,149 | −30,475 |
| Other countries | 4,459 | 3,946 | +513 | +964 |
| All moves | 110,134 | 128,346 | −18,212 | −26,865 |
In 2022–2023, about 110,134 people moved into San Diego County and about 128,346 moved out, a net change of −18,212. Put in proportion, arrivals were about 3.4% of the county’s population and departures about 3.9%.
The Census estimate, year by year
Estimates for July 1 of each year; “net” is natural change plus domestic and international migration.
| Year | Population | Births minus deaths | Domestic migration | International migration | Net change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 1, 2022 | 3,279,089 | +12,497 | −16,848 | +13,358 | −3,490 |
| Year to July 1, 2023 | 3,279,736 | +12,357 | −29,397 | +17,945 | −11,452 |
| Year to July 1, 2024 | 3,287,542 | +12,517 | −22,231 | +17,665 | −4,566 |
| Year to July 1, 2025 | 3,282,248 | +12,462 | −23,876 | +6,132 | −17,744 |
The Census Bureau’s population estimates tell a similar story. In the year to July 1, 2025, the estimate for San Diego County shows −23,876 from domestic migration (people moving between here and elsewhere in the U.S.) and +6,132 from international migration, against +17,665 the year before.
These are counts of people and households by place. They cannot say why anyone moved, and they leave out people who do not file a tax return. Small flows are grouped together by the IRS and not shown.
From and to
Where people move from and to
County to county, 2022–2023, from IRS tax-return address changes.
Where newcomers came from
People who moved into San Diego County in 2022–2023, by the county they left. Top 8.
Where people went
People who moved out of San Diego County in 2022–2023, by the county they moved to. Top 8.
Both directions side by side
Flows under 10 tax returns are not published, which is why some cells say so.
| County | Moved in | Moved out | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside, CA | 8,425 | 12,708 | −4,283 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 9,296 | 6,906 | +2,390 |
| Orange, CA | 5,810 | 4,787 | +1,023 |
| Maricopa, AZ | 2,636 | 3,877 | −1,241 |
| San Bernardino, CA | 2,928 | 2,303 | +625 |
| Clark, NV | 1,829 | 3,142 | −1,313 |
| Santa Clara, CA | 2,368 | 1,655 | +713 |
| Honolulu, HI | 1,719 | 1,529 | +190 |
The largest source of newcomers was Los Angeles, CA (9,296 people), and the largest destination was Riverside, CA (12,708). The county that sent San Diego County the most on balance was Los Angeles, CA, +2,390. The biggest net loss was to Riverside, CA, −4,283.
Other states
Other states: who comes and who goes
State totals add up the county-level flows for each state.
Beyond California: the states
People moving between San Diego County and other states, 2022–2023, sorted by total moves. Top 8.
| State | Moved in | Moved out | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 5,249 | 9,721 | −4,472 |
| Arizona | 4,387 | 7,283 | −2,896 |
| Florida | 4,008 | 6,158 | −2,150 |
| Washington | 4,395 | 4,640 | −245 |
| Virginia | 3,503 | 4,431 | −928 |
| Nevada | 2,335 | 3,818 | −1,483 |
| Colorado | 2,172 | 2,868 | −696 |
| North Carolina | 1,843 | 2,929 | −1,086 |
In all, 61,537 people arrived from other states and 83,686 left for them, a net of −22,149. Texas is the busiest partner by volume (5,249 in, 9,721 out) and also the widest gap (−4,472).
Inside the ZIP code
How many residents are recent arrivals
The Census Bureau asks residents where they lived one year earlier.
Where residents lived a year ago
Share of residents aged one year and over, by where they lived one year earlier. Source: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020–2024.
| Area | Same home | Moved within the county | From another California county | From another state | From abroad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZIP 92118 (Coronado) | 78.7% | 8.0% | 3.1% | 8.5% | 1.7% |
| San Diego County | 87.2% | 8.0% | 1.8% | 2.2% | 0.8% |
In ZIP 92118, 21.3% of residents lived at a different address a year earlier, above the 12.8% for San Diego County. 8.5% came from another state, well above the 2.2% countywide, and 1.7% from abroad.
Survey estimates have a margin of error, and a small share of residents in a ZIP are new each year. The figures describe the residents, not the neighborhood’s character.
What buyers and sellers can take from it
- County trends are not Coronado trends. San Diego County had 18,212 more people leave than arrive in 2022–2023, yet ZIP 92118 turns over faster than the county does: 21.3% at a new address in a year, against 12.8% countywide.
- Many newcomers arrive from other states. That means many buyers are meeting California’s process for the first time. Sellers do well when their homes are clear, well documented and easy to understand, and buyers do well by asking questions early.
- Neighbors are often new too. With about 21 in 100 residents at a new address in a year, a newcomer is rarely alone. Renters, buyers and sellers all add to the turnover, and so may the Navy installations on the island.
- The numbers describe the past. They are a backdrop for a decision, not a forecast of prices. For prices, use the market reports and a personal report for your street.
Differences to consider
Differences to consider before you move
The things newcomers most often ask about, with a place to start on each.
What to compare
General information for orientation. Confirm anything that matters with the official source, your lender and your agent.
| Topic | What to compare | Where to look or whom to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax | Buying here resets the taxable value to what you paid. From then on the yearly increase is capped at 2%, so the first bill is the one to budget from. In some states the bill follows the market year by year. | The property tax estimator; the county assessor for a specific address. |
| Moving within California | Homeowners who are 55 or older, severely disabled, or affected by a disaster may be able to carry their current property-tax base to a replacement home in California (Proposition 19). There are deadlines and limits, so ask early. | The county assessor’s office, before you sell; a tax professional. |
| How the closing works | Expect an escrow account, title insurance and a written timeline. If you are used to attorney-led closings, ask the escrow officer to explain each step. | Your agent and the escrow officer. |
| Disclosures and reports | Between the seller’s disclosures and your own inspections you can learn a great deal about a home before you commit. Take the time to read them. | Your agent; the inspectors you choose. |
| Insurance | Price insurance early: wildfire and coastal exposure, an older roof or wiring, and optional earthquake coverage can each change the premium. | An independent insurance broker. |
| Associations (HOAs) | An association can change what you may build, rent or park. Read the documents during your contingency period. Many Coronado condominium buildings and some communities have associations, so ask for the documents early. | The association’s documents, which escrow provides. |
| Getting around | Test your real commute before you commit, and once more on a weekend. Where you park, and how long it takes to leave, matters as much as the distance. Coronado is reached by the San Diego–Coronado Bridge, the Silver Strand from Imperial Beach and a ferry from downtown San Diego, so try the trip you would make most often. | Try the drive at your own commute hour. |
Checklist
A moving checklist
Practical steps for a move to the area, grouped by when to do them.
A moving checklist
Print this page or copy the list. Not every item applies to every move.
Three to six months out
- Sit down with a lender early; a pre-approval shows what you can comfortably afford.
- Build a full monthly budget: principal and interest, property tax, insurance and any HOA dues or special-tax charges.
- If you are coming from another state: If you are relocating from a state without an income tax, ask a tax professional what California will change for you.
- If you are coming from another country: Gather the financial documents a U.S. lender will ask for, and ask early how funds from abroad are documented.
- If you are selling and coming from elsewhere in California: Find out what your current home would net, and decide whether the sale has to close before you buy.
- If you are selling and coming from elsewhere in California: Before you sell, check with the county assessor whether Proposition 19 lets you keep your current property-tax base.
- If you are renting: Decide how much rent is comfortable and when you will revisit buying; the rent-versus-buy tool shows both sides.
- Spend time in the area on a weekday morning, a weekend and an evening, and drive the commute at rush hour.
- If you are coming from another state: Check heating and cooling: many older coastal homes have no air conditioning.
One to three months out
- Work out how much cash you need at closing, using the closing cost tool, and keep a cushion.
- Request written quotes from a few movers, try the moving cost planner and confirm what their insurance covers.
- If you are selling: Request the property’s permit history and collect the HOA paperwork before you list.
- If you are selling: Ask for a personal market report, then plan repairs, staging and photos.
- Learn the neighborhood: groceries, parks, pharmacies and the routes you will actually use.
Once you are under contract
- Work through the Transfer Disclosure Statement and the Natural Hazard Disclosure with your agent and flag anything to inspect.
- Ask an independent broker for homeowners quotes on the exact address, and price earthquake or flood cover if you want it, before contingencies end.
- At escrow you will sign the loan papers and a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, which goes to the county assessor.
- Order a home inspection and a termite (wood-destroying pest) report soon after the contract is signed; both are customary here.
Move week
- File your change of address and update it with banks, employers and insurers before move day.
- Do a final walk-through before you sign, and confirm any agreed repairs are done.
- Confirm that your big pieces fit through the doors, and ask about moving-truck rules at your building or HOA.
- Pack an essentials box you open first: chargers, medications, documents, sheets and basic tools.
Your first 30 days
- Keep some cash aside for the supplemental property tax bill California sends after a purchase.
- If you are coming from another state: Book the DMV early: license and vehicle registration deadlines for new residents are short.
- If you are coming from another country: Open a U.S. bank account, keep copies of your documents, and ask a lender how a U.S. credit history is built.
- If you are renting: Read the lease carefully for the notice, deposit and renewal provisions.
- Change or re-key the locks, test the alarms and find the water shut-off and the electrical panel.
- Arrange utilities and internet before move day and ask for a year of past bills.
- Find a doctor, dentist and vet, and transfer records and prescriptions.
- If you are coming from elsewhere in California: Look up the pet license, trash, organics recycling and street-sweeping rules for your new address.
How Rudy can help
Rudy Flores, Real Estate Strategist with Coldwell Banker West, can turn this page into a plan for your move to Coronado: the market numbers for your ZIP code, the differences that apply to your situation and a timeline you can print. He also introduces newcomers to the local professionals they tend to need first, such as a lender, an inspector and an insurance broker.
Tell him where you are coming from, when you would like to be settled and whether you plan to buy, sell first or rent first. He will send a short, personal plan, with no pressure.
Common questions
Is this data about Coronado itself?
Partly. The IRS and Census population figures are for San Diego County, which contains Coronado. The ZIP-code table (ACS) is for 92118, which is Coronado. City-level flows are not published.
Why did more people leave San Diego County than arrive?
The data cannot say. It counts moves, not reasons. Housing costs, jobs, family and lifestyle all play a part for different households, and the totals mix them together.
Does this predict home prices?
No. Migration is one influence on housing among many, including interest rates, supply and local jobs. Use the market reports for prices and inventory.
How current is it?
The IRS numbers cover 2022–2023, the latest published. The Census estimates run to July 1, 2025, and the ACS covers 2020–2024. Each source publishes on its own schedule, and this page is refreshed when a new release arrives.
A note on what this is
This page uses public statistics about where people move. It describes counts of people by county, state and ZIP code, not who any neighbor is, and it cannot say why anyone moved. Rudy Flores is a licensed real estate agent (CalDRE #02257808) with Coldwell Banker West, not a tax, immigration or legal professional; confirm anything that matters with the official source and with licensed advisors.
Keep exploring
- Market reports — Values, inventory and price cuts for the ZIP code.
- Weekly and monthly updates — Dated updates on the local market.
- Coronado home buyer guide — The process from first tour to keys.
- Neighborhoods — A tour of the island’s areas.
- Moving cost planner — Estimate the cost of the move itself.
- Prop 13 and Prop 19 on Coronado, Explained — How the property tax bill works after a purchase.
Talk to a lender. Rates, loan programs and approvals come from lenders, not from websites or real estate agents. Talk to your own mortgage broker, or use our preferred lender, Rodrigo Ballon with CrossCountry Mortgage, at 858-735-0255. You are always free to choose any lender you like, and you can verify any lender’s license at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Sources
- IRS Statistics of Income: migration data (county-to-county flows)
- U.S. Census Bureau: county population totals and components of change, 2020–2025
- U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey 2020–2024, table B07001 (geographic mobility)
General information for orientation, not legal, tax, financial or appraisal advice. Details change; confirm anything that matters with the official source, your lender and your agent.