Where Did Americans Move in 2024?

2024 brought new challenges and opportunities for individuals and families. From the rise of hybrid work models to the 2024 election results, there are many reasons why Americans are deciding to pack their bags and move to a new city and state.

In 2024, we saw significant shifts in outbound and inbound state data. While southern states remain a predominant destination for inbound migration, Idaho saw the most inbound moves in 2024. Illinois was also outranked for the most outbound moves by California for the first time in over 10 years. Our data suggests Americans are deciding to wave goodbye to expensive states for smaller cities with plenty of family-friendly fun and a mild climate.

So, where are people moving to in 2024? Here's where Americans moved and what these trends say about housing, cost of living and living conditions.

Takeaways from the 2024 Moving Migration Report

While some of the findings of the 2024 Moving Migration Report were expected, a number of others were surprising. Here are some of the top takeaways from the report:

• Move volume (the number of individuals that moved in 2024) decreased 8% compared to 2023.


• Southern states remained primary draws for those moving, with top destinations including South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Georgia.


• California outranked Illinois as the top outbound state for the first time in 10 years.


• Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina have consistently been among the top inbound states since 2020.


• New Jersey replaced Minnesota on the list of top outbound states this year, coming in at #4.


• The most popular day to move in 2024 was Friday, and the most popular month was August.


• COVID-19 restrictions are no longer a concern. However, remote and hybrid work still remain popular.

Quality of Life Is the Top Concern for Movers in 2024

In 2024, Americans moved to places with affordable housing and cheaper communities. Many individuals had remote jobs and could leave expensive cities to work from home in an affordable suburb. 

While Americans are still working from home, many are moving to mid-sized cities in Charlotte, Nashville and Dallas to find hybrid or in-office work opportunities. These cities offer affordable housing and a lower cost of living than cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. 

Economic Influences: Mortgage Rates and the Housing Market

Mortgage rates and house prices remained high in 2024 and didn't come down from the 2023 numbers. While the market did experience some shifts and changes throughout the year, there hasn't been a significant drop in rates or prices. Instead of waiting for the prices to decrease, many Americans decided where to move based on the current mortgage rates and housing trends.

Highest Income Tax States Concerns in 2024

It should come as no surprise that states with higher income tax rates see increased rates of emigration; many of the top outbound states have the highest tax rates in the country.

California residents have long endured some of the highest tax rates in the United States. Higher taxes reduce overall income and leave fewer funds for discretionary spending and investments. High property taxes (on top of already high property costs) further encourage Golden State residents to look elsewhere.

Top Cities in 2024

The most moved-to states in 2024 were Idaho, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Among the top inbound states in the Moving Migration Report, some cities saw a higher influx of new residents than others. These cities offer a higher quality of life, family-friendly attractions and affordability. The top cities in 2024 include:

• Greenville, South Carolina, is a fast-growing city with a thriving job market and a down-to-earth community culture. The weather is mild and enjoyable year-round, meaning residents can enjoy fun-filled outdoor activities like visiting the zoo, golf clubs, kayaking and more.


• Charlotte, North Carolina, has seen significant growth over the last three years. The city has a low cost of living and great weather. There's also a ton of family-friendly events, activities and breathtaking green views surrounding the city.


• Nashville, Tennessee, is a vibrant city with a rich history and many fun-filled attractions. It is known as the Music City and attracts music lovers and artists alike. Residents can also expect a low cost of living and affordable housing.


• Raleigh, North Carolina is known and loved for its southern charm. The city hosts annual bluegrass festivals, cultural events and local activities. The school districts are highly ranked, and many suburbs have a low crime rate, making Raleigh a top choice for families.


• Dallas, Texas, has everything you need: great restaurants, endless- family-friendly activities and various fun-filled attractions. There are tons of great places to visit, including the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The cost of living is also relatively low, and there are many job opportunities available in various industries.

Election Year Movers

Some studies suggest that the recent election also influences where people are moving to in 2024. According to a study by Redfin, 22% of survey takers say they are more likely to consider moving now that the election is over. Over 36% of these respondents are considering moving to another country, while 26% are considering moving to a different state.

It's not uncommon for people to respond to an election by saying they are moving to a different country. However, we may see a slight uptick in state-to-state moving in the coming years due to political and financial uncertainty. Different laws regarding women's health and abortion rights may also push people to move to a new state.

The Methodology

In compiling this data, we examine many different angles, including researching population reports and speaking to top companies in the moving industry to gain insider knowledge. Additionally, we examine the cities that have seen the most considerable growth and studies and statistics surrounding the topic.

Once we have our data, we investigate the underlying causes. Demographic surveys help us understand the leading reasons for long-distance moves throughout the country. We are in the unique position of learning from our own customers what drives their decision to relocate.

Summary of Findings: Where are Americans Moving to?

The 2024 Moving Migration Report offers new insight into the different trends driving migration in the United States. Our data shows us that people are pursuing cities and states that offer a higher quality of living and affordable housing.

Additional factors that drive moving to another state include the desire for access to nature, family-friendly attractions and job opportunities. 

While remote work is still popular, it's not the "new norm." Many people are returning to the office or taking on hybrid opportunities, which is why cities with great job opportunities, like Dallas, Texas, are seeing a significant uptick in inbound movers. 

Will San Diego and Chicago continue to see a population loss year-over-year? Will Idaho continue to see a significant uptick in inbound movers? Only time will tell! As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to ask where 2025 will take you.