Millions of U.S. residents move every year. Some of them relocate to local homes that are a better fit for their needs. Some people pack up and move to a brand new state, while others venture off into international territory. But where exactly do all these people tend to go? The answer changes from year to year depending on several situational variables.

Whether you’re thinking of making a local, interstate, or international move, it may be helpful to know where people have recently been moving and why. Of course, your destination is ultimately up to you based on what you prefer and can afford. But if you’re unsure where you’d like to relocate, national moving trends may give you some ideas.

Read on for U.S. moving trends from the 2020 Census if you need inspiration for choosing the next place you call home.

What U.S. States Are People Moving To?

According to the U.S. 2020 Census report, both western and southern states have seen major population increases over the past decade. The 10 states with the highest population growth rate are:

  • Utah (+18.4%)
  • Idaho (+17.3%)
  • Texas (15.9%)
  • North Dakota (15.8%)
  • Nevada (15.0%)
  • Colorado (+14.8%)
  • Washington (14.6%)
  • Florida (+14.6%)
  • Arizona (+11.9%)
  • South Carolina (+10.7%)

Although people’s reasons for making an interstate move vary, lots of folks report they did so to reduce their cost of living or for better job opportunities. Plenty of people simply wanted a change of pace, and with the rise of remote work over the last decade, more and more people enjoy more freedom of choice in where they’d like to live. 

What U.S. States Are People Moving Out Of?

From 2010 to 2020, West Virginia, Mississippi, and Illinois were the only three states in the union that experienced a decline in population. While there’s been lots of talk about an “urban exodus” of some of the U.S.’s major cities, most people who left these cities didn’t move far from them according to census data. Rather, they simply relocated to a different part of the metro area they already lived in.

Which U.S. Cities Have Seen the Greatest Population Growth?

To break the numbers down a bit further, let’s take a look at the 25 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Some of these areas are located in states that have seen a surge in population over the last ten years while others are in states that didn’t see much population growth at all.

According to data collected by U.S. News & World Report, people are flocking to the following cities:

  • South Carolina: Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg, and Charleston
  • Florida: Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, Lakeland, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Melbourne, Tampa, Jacksonville
  • Colorado: Fort Collins
  • Texas: Austin
  • Idaho: Boise
  • Maryland: Salisbury
  • Oregon: Eugene
  • Arkansas: Fayetteville
  • Nevada: Las Vegas
  • North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham
  • Arizona: Phoenix 

What are people’s reasons for migrating to these areas? Hot job markets, more affordable housing, desirable location, and lower taxes are some of the most common drivers behind growth in these cities.

What International Areas Are U.S. Residents Moving To?

Plenty of U.S. residents choose to retire outside the country, primarily for the lower cost of living associated with living in certain international areas. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly 432,000 retired U.S. workers living in other countries received social security benefits in 2019. Other people move simply because they want to see the world, some move for love, and some leave the U.S. for a better job.

But according to 2020 census data, the number of U.S. citizens living abroad has declined significantly over the last 10 years. In 2010, approximately 1,042,500 U.S. residents lived in other countries throughout the world. In 2020, that number plummeted to just 350,686. 

What Are the Most Common Reasons People Move?

Folks move for lots of reasons. And generally, several factors influence a person’s decision to seek out a new place to call home. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Current Population Survey, here are the reasons people relocate:

  • Housing reasons (cheaper housing, better neighborhood, wanting own rather than rent, wanting a better/larger home)
  • Family reasons (change in marital status, to establish a household, etc.)
  • Employment reasons (job transfer, new job, looking for a job, wanting a shorter commute, retiring)
  • To attend or exit college
  • Wanting a change of climate
  • Health reasons

Need an Interstate Moving Company? Contact Ace Moving in Minneapolis!

Are you planning to join the millions of U.S. residents relocating every year? Will you need some help getting your belongings to your new home? Then don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing in the Twin Cities to learn more about our comprehensive moving services. From custom move plans and quality storage solutions to full packing and moving services, we can handle every aspect of your relocation to ensure your experience is as seamless as possible. Check out our reviews for some insight into how we work!

To learn more or get a preliminary moving estimate, feel free to give us a call today at 763-755-2045 or request a fast quote online, and we’ll be in touch with additional info.