A report on the robust number of Massachusetts residents leaving the state revealed some jarring insights into who precisely is heading for the hills.

Massachusetts was a top 10 state for outbound residents, according to United Van Lines’ 47th annual National Movers Study, State House News reported. The study found Americans “are moving eastbound and southbound – and relocating to less expensive areas with comparable amenities to larger metropolitans.”

No surprise there. We’re among the top outbound states (along with New Jersey, Illinois, North Dakota, New York, Michigan, California, and Kansas).

Among those making an exit from Massachusetts, 28.4% moved because of their job, 19.2% for family considerations, 18% for retirement, 16% for lifestyle, and less than 3% each for health or cost reasons, according to the study.

We know the Bay State is tough on the wallet, thanks to sky-high housing prices. Since more businesses are letting employees work from home, cash-strapped residents can move someplace more affordable while still holding that Mass. job.

It’s a problem for the state.

“Massachusetts State House leaders need to take note of the reason why taxpayers are fleeing our state. The number one priority of 2024 should be economic competitiveness and this new report shows that,” said Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance spokesman Paul Craney.

One statistic especially stands out: 18% are leaving Massachusetts to retire elsewhere. If you don’t have a nest egg, a healthy 401(k) or other form of post-retiree income, this is a tough state in which to be old.

According to America’s Health Rankings, 10.6% of adults 65 and older in Massachusetts live below the poverty line. That’s $14,580 a year for a person living alone. If middle-class families are finding it hard to make ends meet here, imagine a single senior trying to get by on that income.

The report on Massachusetts’ outbound population is a wake-up call for the state’s leaders, and they must redouble efforts to make the Bay State a competitive, affordable place to live.

But they must also increase the focus on those who can’t afford to move. A fixed income is no match for hefty rents – or rising prices.

Gov. Maura Healey has made strides in helping seniors, including the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, the Senior Property Tax Volunteer Program and increasing the estate tax threshold, which boosts the ability to pass on generational wealth.

All good – but what about those who’ve worked lower-paying jobs all their lives, without the 401(k), without the pension or savings. Passing on generational wealth isn’t an issue, because there’s nothing to pass on. Estate tax savings doesn’t apply to them, nor a circuit breaker tax credit. We’ve heard the stories of people having to choose between heat and food, or food and medicine, and working well into their ’70s or beyond. The threat of homelessness is always near.

Healey has been putting in overtime to make sure the continued influx of migrants have access to shelter and care.

Remember the state’s elderly poor – they may not have political muscle nor sign-carrying allies, but they deserve the state’s best efforts to help them.

Editorial cartoon by Steve Kelley (Creators Syndicate)