More people are moving out of the Bay State than in, according to a new report.

United Van Lines 45th Annual National Movers Study found the reasons behind the moves are pandemic-driven as people look to relocate to lower density areas and closer to family. 

Massachusetts ranked No. 7 of the top 10 outbound states in 2021 with an outbound rate of 57.6%. The inbound rate was 42.4%. 

According to the study’s findings, 22.40% of residents said they left the Bay State behind for retirement, 4.37% for health reasons, 24.59% for family, 17.49% due to lifestyle changes, 31.42% for a new job or job transfer and 8.47% said cost was the trigger. 

Michael A. Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles said the data is indicative of the impact COVID-19 had on domestic migration patterns in 2021 with many Americans looking to move to smaller or mid-sized cities and towns. 

“We’re seeing this not only occur because of Americans’ desire to leave high-density areas due to risk of infection, but also due to the transformation of how we’re able to work, with more flexibility to work remote,” he said.