Where are Americans Moving?
Recently updated through 2018, historical migrations map showing where Americans have moved throughout the years.
According to the latest information published by the U.S. Census Bureau the percentage of people that move every year equates to 14% of the population (or roughly 40 million). People move for a variety of reasons: housing, jobs, family, etc. Being aware of cross country moving migration patterns can provide you a better idea on the behavior of Americans. The following historical U.S. migration study will provide you the states with the largest influx of moves and the states that have the most outbound moves.
Key Takeaways from 2018 Migration Report
- Idaho has regained the position as the leader in inbound moves for 2018. They have come in first 3 times out of the last 4 years, after falling to the second spot in 2017.
- Illinois topped the outbound moves list for the 4th time since 2014.
- For the last 5 years, the states with the highest move totals haven’t changed. They are as follows: Florida, California, and Texas.
- Tennessee made its second debut in the Top 5 most inbound states, jumping up to spot #4 from #5.
- Maryland made its first debut in the Top 5 most outbound states.
- Possible correlation between state property taxes and migration.*
Additional Takeaways
Northeastern states
Until this year, Connecticut has consistently been in the top 8 of outbound moves since 2013. It was #1 in 2013 and #2 in 2017. Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey have also made the list of outbound cross country moves consistently since 2013. Massachusetts and Rhode Island have both gone back and forth in having more inbound or outbound moves over the years.
Southern states
South Carolina was in the top 3 of inbound moves starting in 2011, then started to slip down starting in 2016. They were still in the top 4 but lost their top ranking as the state with the most inbound moves. North Carolina beat South Carolina for the first time in 2016. They kept their rank in 2017 for inbound long distance moves until falling back down below South Carolina in 2018. Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Texas remained constant in the top 8 from 2013-2017 for inbound moves. Tennessee, Texas and Florida held their spot in the top 8 list for inbound moves in 2018. Overall, the Southern states have had more inbound moves than some of the other regions.
Midwestern states
Illinois has consistently been in the top 3 positions of outbound moves since 2013, getting the #1 position 4 times. It may not be surprising due to the fact Illinois is one of the highest tax burden states. Michigan has been on the top 8 list of states with the most outbound interstate moves since 2011. Iowa consistently had more outbound than inbound moves until 2017, when it had more people move out of the state than in the state. However, in 2018, Iowa had more inbound moves. Minnesota and Ohio have stayed constant, having more outbound moves than inbound. Over the years, Wisconsin has gone back and forth in having more inbound or outbound moves.
Western states
In 2013 and 2014, Idaho wasn't in the top inbound states. Then in 2015 it was #1. It remained #1 in 2016 and slipped to #2 in 2017. Based on the most recent Census data, Idaho is currently the nation's fastest growing state, with its population increasing 2.2% between July 2016 and July 2017. Now, in 2018, Idaho is back up to #1 for inbound moves. This is not overly surprising to also know that Idaho is one of the least tax burden states which may be a contributing factor. Oregon, Arizona and Colorado have consistently been in the top 8, with Arizona #2 for 3 years and topping at #1 in 2017. The western states also have had more overall inbound moves than the Midwest and Northeast.
Our Methodology
This is our data of all state inbound and out bound COD moves( household moves). We define the top inbound and outbound state as those that have the highest proportion of moves where the absolute value difference of inbound and outbound moves is greater than or equal to 400. This weeds out states that had a small number of moves but would have a high ratio of inbound/outbound moves.