Poor more likely to leave California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The poor are more likely to leave California than the rich, despite concerns that the state's relatively high income-tax rate is driving away the wealthy, a new study shows.

The report released Friday by the Public Policy Institute of California determined that the poorest 20 percent California residents are twice as likely to leave the state as the richest 20 percent.

Factors such as cheaper rent and home prices outside the Golden State seem to edge out income taxes when people of all incomes decide whether to stay or go, said institute researcher Jed Kolko, who authored the report.

Tax critics often claim the state's high cost of living and tax structure drive high-income earners out.