Why people left Colorado during the pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak led to a small increase in departures from Colorado, a new study shows.

Why it matters: The numbers suggest the pandemic tempered the state's recent growth trends.

What they did: Researchers analyzed 100,000 moves in the last year to find:

• The top reason people moved out of Colorado was the cost of living.
• The main driver for arrivals is a desire for a lifestyle-related change.
• Colorado saw more wealthy people — those making over $100,000 — arrive than depart, part of a broader national trend away from the coasts.

The intrigue: The young people who flocked to Colorado in recent years and made Denver a millennial hub so far have stayed put during the pandemic.