Moving Statistics: What US Cities are People Moving to and Leaving? {VIDEO}
August 14th, 2024
Moving Trends and Statistics
Where are people moving to in 2024? Here are the top US states for moving in 2024 based on average house prices and moving statistics!
There are many reasons why you might be considering a move. Whether you need to relocate for a job, want a change in scenery, or are looking for an affordable place to buy a house, moving somewhere new is a big decision and will require much consideration, especially if you are moving cross country.
No matter where you currently reside, it is always a good idea to look at moving trends over the past few years to determine what state is best for you and your family to call home.
The real estate market is always evolving, so if you pay attention to and understand current trends in the housing market, you will be able to make informed decisions about moving and buying a home.
If the cost of living and average house price are essential factors for you when making a moving decision, then you are certainly in the right place. Here are some current trends and statistics in the United States that are shifting the housing market.
1. Moving Statistics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of state-to-state movers rose from 7.9 million in 2021 to 8.2 million in 2022. This shows a decade-long trend of state-to-state migration, which is expected to continue to increase even as overall migration numbers decline.
Between 2021 and 2022, state-to-state movers also made up most of all movers. Some of the most notable migration flows in 2022 were people moving from California to Texas and New York to Florida and New Jersey.
While there are many reasons for people to move, the most common reason to move in 2022 was for a change in marital status rather than wanting a home or neighborhood improvement.
Today, in 2024, most Americans driven to relocate are doing so for affordability, job opportunities, and safety concerns. Most people choosing to move are Gen Z and Millenials who want to find an area with a lower cost of living and affordable housing options.
Ryan Fitzgerald, Founder of Raleigh Realty, states, "It is important to understand regional nuances regarding affordability. While some states offer attractive entry points into home ownership, others command premium prices for their sought-after amenities and lifestyle offerings."
Even though affordability may be the number one factor for a person to move today, especially to another state, it is ideal to find a state that balances lower prices and top-rated amenities.
If affordability and cheap housing prices are the number one reason for you to consider a move, here are the most affordable U.S. states based on average house prices in 2024:
| U.S. State | Average House Price in 2024 (USD) |
| 1. West Virginia | $152,373 |
| 2. Mississippi | $169,792 |
| 3. Louisiana | $192,173 |
| 4. Kentucky | $192,245 |
| 5. Arkansas | $195,502 |
| 6. Oklahoma | $196,095 |
| 7. Iowa | $205,988 |
| 8. Ohio | $213,323 |
| 9. Kansas | $214,347 |
| 10. Alabama | $217,750 |
Here are the least affordable U.S. states based on average house prices in 2024:
| U.S. State | Average House Price in 2024 (USD) |
| 1. Hawaii | $828,058 |
| 2. California | $750,709 |
| 3. Massachusetts | $586,204 |
| 4. Washington | $563,764 |
| 5. Colorado | $527,413 |
| 6. Utah | $501,653 |
| 7. New Jersey | $497,292 |
| 8. Oregon | $480,428 |
| 9. New York | $450,431 |
| 10. New Hampshire | $445,263 |
In 2022, the South experienced a growth rate of 1.1% over the previous year, making it the fastest-growing region in the United States. Driven mainly by domestic and international migration, more than 1.3 million people moved to Southern states in 2022, and it is still the most populous region in the country today.
Many Southern states offer cheaper housing prices, a lower cost of living, and a better quality of life, which most Americans look for when relocating to another state. Many of the most affordable states are located in the South, reflected in the above chart of the most affordable U.S. states based on average house prices in 2024.
It is important to note that more U.S. counties experienced population gains rather than losses in 2023, with the South experiencing the fastest growth and the Northeast and Midwest counties experiencing population losses. 60% of U.S. counties gained population from 2022 to 2023, showing a change in domestic migration patterns.
While many people decide to move state-to-state today, in 2021, 78% decided to remain in the same state, with 53% moving locally to a new neighborhood.
2. Moving Costs
Moving is a big decision mentally and financially, specifically if you are deciding to move on your own and are in charge of moving costs. If you are moving for a job, then sometimes moving costs are covered, but otherwise, driving is an expense, and it is essential to plan out how much money you need to save before packing up your life.
The most common moving expenses you must consider saving include packing materials, moving truck rental, professional moving services, packing and unpacking services, cleaning services, and moving insurance.
Moving costs will depend on whether or not you decide to use a moving company and the type of services you choose if you do. According to Forbes, the average cost for professional movers is about $1,400, with the majority being between $800 and $2,500 depending on distance.
To calculate moving costs, most companies charge based on the hours it takes to get the job done. If you are considering a cross-country move, many movers charge per mile.
When searching for a reliable moving company, only decide to work with a company that is transparent with their pricing. You never want to be blindsided by extra expenses during the moving process, and you need to make sure that the company you hire fits your budget.
Today, 53% of Americans who moved in 2023 said they were surprised by the high moving costs. Hiring movers is the biggest expense, and a third of people who moved within the last year claimed that they did not budget correctly for their move and underestimated the total costs associated with moving.
If you are looking to save money on your move, whether locally or long distance, some of the best ways to do so include getting multiple estimates, moving during an off-peak time, asking for a deal, packing strategically, and packing and unpacking yourself without the use of professional help.
3. Moving Trends
There are many reasons people decide to move and where, but certain trends, which show the most common areas people are moving to and from, are worth paying attention to.
Between 2021 and 2022, Texas and Florida were the top two states where people moved since they experienced the highest population growth. Texas had a numeric growth of 470,708 people, followed by Florida, with a numeric growth of 416,754 during the period.
In 2024, Texas is still the number one growth state, as it has been for the sixth time in eight years. Not only is Texas home to the most significant number of Fortune 500 companies, which attracts many people to the state for its job opportunities, but it is also highly tax-friendly and ranked number 22 out of the 50 states in the U.S. for affordable housing prices.
Florida takes the number two spot since it has been a top-four growth state for the past nine years and also offers its residents no state income tax. Florida is ranked 34 out of the 50 U.S. states for affordable housing prices.
The beautiful state of North Carolina is the third most popular state for moving to, and it is ranked 26 out of the 50 states in the U.S. for affordable housing prices. Many people moving to North Carolina choose to relocate to Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle region because of its location to Research Triangle Park, the largest research park in the country and home to more than 375 companies.
Raleigh offers plenty of employment opportunities and a strong economy. It is also surrounded by top-rated colleges and is best known for its low cost of living and outdoor recreation.
While Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are gaining population as more people decide to move, the populations in California and New York continue to decline. California and New York have some of the highest living costs in the country, which is one of the main reasons people are deciding to resettle in other, more affordable areas.
There has also been a change in immigration as more immigrants in 2024 opt for smaller cities and states in the South that are known for warm weather and high quality of life.
Methodology
We found the average house price for 2024 per state to uncover the most affordable U.S. states. Data was pulled in March 2024 and is subject to change. We also used data and information from the following sources to determine where people are moving to in 2024:
FAQs
Where are Americans moving to the most?
Based on cost of living, housing affordability, and sought-after amenities, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are the most popular states where Americans are moving in 2024.
What is the cheapest state to live in 2024?
In terms of affordable house prices, West Virginia is the cheapest state to live in 2024, with an average house price of $152,373, followed by Mississippi, with an average house price of $169,792.
What is the safest state to live in 2024?
Not only is Raleigh a safe place to live, but New Hampshire has been rated as the safest state in America in 2024 in terms of public safey and crime and corrections.
Where Are Americans Moving in 2024? - Final Thoughts
There are many different reasons to move at any given time throughout the year, but affordable housing prices, educational opportunities, and low cost of living seem to be the most popular reasons for families, young professionals, and retirees to move in 2024.
Paying attention to the least and most affordable states, moving trends, and statistics can help you decide whether or not you are making the best moving decision. While West Virginia offers the cheapest housing prices in the country, the top states that people are moving to are Texas, Florida, and North Carolina for their low prices and amenities.
If you are among the many people deciding to move and want to find your dream home in North Carolina that also fits your budget, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty.
From beautiful single-family homes to new construction, Raleigh and the surrounding area is the perfect place to call home. We are here to help and are prepared to answer your questions.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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