The 48th Annual National Movers Study by United Van Lines, released on January 1, 2025, analyzes migration patterns across the United States, highlighting key trends in interstate moves during 2024. United Van Lines

The study examines all the moves into and out of a location, then examines the inbound and outbound moves as a percentage of that total. Thus, the comparison for states and metro areas is not the total number of moves but these percentages.

Florida had a balanced migration—roughly 50% of total moves came into the state, and 50% left. More people moved into the state in the prior seven years, so this is a slight shift to a balanced number.

Three of the top twenty-five move-to metro areas across the country were in Florida: Daytona Beach, Punta Gorda, and Fort Pierce-St Lucie, FL. These locations had between 60% and 65% of the move into the area vs. 35%-40% out of the area.

Some of the primary influences for interstate moving were economic factors and (new to the list) family. People selected locations to reduce their expenses on things like housing and taxes. However, driving decisions also involved proximity to relatives.

Here are some of the observations from the study.

Key Findings:

West Virginia Leads Inbound Migration

West Virginia topped the list with 66% inbound moves among states with over 250 moves. Attractions include outdoor activities, affordable housing, and a lower cost of living. The primary reasons for moving to the state were proximity to family (35%) and new job opportunities (31%).

New Jersey’s Continued Outbound Trend

For the seventh consecutive year, New Jersey experienced the highest outbound migration at 67%. The main motivations were retirement (22%) and the desire to be closer to family (20%), with over 40% of movers aged 65 and older. Notably, 20% of those leaving New Jersey relocated to Florida.

Family Proximity as a Primary Driver

For the first time in decades, the leading reason for interstate moves was the desire to be closer to family, accounting for 28% of relocations. This trend was evident in Delaware, the second-highest inbound state, where 36% moved to be near family, and over half of the movers were 65 and older.

Southeast States Gaining Popularity

States like South Carolina (62% inbound), North Carolina (60%), and Arkansas (58%) saw significant inbound migration, reflecting a broader trend toward less densely populated, more affordable regions. Cities such as Wilmington, NC (83% inbound), Myrtle Beach, SC (80%), and Little Rock, AR (57%) were notable destinations.

Outbound Migration in the Midwest and West

States including Illinois (60% outbound), Wyoming (57%), and Nebraska (56%) experienced high outbound migration. Cities like Cheyenne, WY (73% outbound), Springfield, IL (69%), and Lincoln, NE (59%) were among the metropolitan areas with significant outbound movement.

Economic Factors Influencing Moves

The study indicates that rising housing costs prompt Americans to relocate to more affordable, lower-density areas. This shift reflects a balance between seeking economic relief and maintaining quality of life.

Balanced States

Some states, such as Ohio and Florida, had nearly equal numbers of inbound and outbound moves, indicating a balance in migration patterns. Notably, Florida has been on the inbound state list since 2018, suggesting sustained appeal despite the recent balance.

Overall, the 2024 National Movers Study reveals a continued trend of Americans relocating to more affordable, family-friendly regions, particularly in the Southeast, while states in the Midwest and West are experiencing higher outbound migration. Economic pressures and the desire for proximity to family are significant factors influencing these migration patterns.