The migration landscape across the U.S. remained dynamic in 2023, with approximately 7.5 million Americans moving to a different state, according to a new StorageCafe study. While this figure aligns with trends over the past decade, moving within the same state has reached historic lows, dropping to just over 9% of the population.
The southern U.S. continues to dominate state-to-state migration, with seven of the top ten states for net migration located in the region. Texas, for the first time in a decade, overtook Florida as the leading destination, with over 137,000 new residents. Meanwhile, smaller states like North Dakota, Idaho, Delaware, and Vermont experienced significant population gains relative to their size.
Conversely, California, New York, and Illinois remain at the top of the list for population losses. However, the rate of outflow in these states has slowed compared to 2022.
Shifts in Migration Motivations
State-to-state migration is increasingly driven by necessity rather than lifestyle. Economic factors such as job opportunities, housing affordability, and quality of life remain primary motivators. However, the rising costs of insurance, property taxes, and housing have dampened local relocation rates.
The “lock-in” effect of high mortgage rates also plays a role, as homeowners hesitate to leave lower-interest loans for costlier options. As a result, local moves—often spurred by desires to upgrade homes—have dropped significantly. In 2023, 87.9% of Americans stayed in the same home year-after-year, up from 85.1% a decade ago.
Generational Migration Patterns
In 2023, Gen Z and millennials were the most mobile generations, with roughly 2.2 million individuals from each group relocating to a new state. This accounts for nearly 60% of all state-to-state migration. While millennials favored financially promising states like Texas and Florida, Gen Z gravitated toward regions offering both job opportunities and lifestyle appeal, such as the Carolinas and Arizona.
Gen X and baby boomers accounted for just 12% and 11% of moves, respectively, as these groups are generally more settled in their careers or retirement.
Net Migration in the U.S. — Key Drivers Behind the Trends
| Rank | State | Net Migration | Net Migration per 1,000 Residents | Personal Income of Newcomers | Personal Income per State | Home Value | Rent Price | Average Age of Newcomers | Employed Newcomers Working from Home | Newcomers with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 137,582 | 4.51 | $57,133 | $57,925 | $296,900 | $1,413 | 32 | 23% | 34% |
| 2 | Florida | 136,750 | 6.05 | $66,921 | $56,245 | $381,000 | $1,719 | 39 | 25% | 38% |
| 3 | North Carolina | 110,833 | 10.23 | $54,458 | $54,551 | $308,600 | $1,245 | 33 | 23% | 37% |
| 4 | South Carolina | 72,404 | 13.47 | $55,632 | $51,460 | $272,900 | $1,170 | 34 | 20% | 29% |
| 5 | Georgia | 61,980 | 5.62 | $54,764 | $55,451 | $323,000 | $1,400 | 33 | 19% | 33% |
| 6 | Arizona | 56,969 | 7.67 | $56,331 | $56,941 | $411,200 | $1,608 | 37 | 21% | 32% |
| 7 | Indiana | 32,035 | 4.67 | $44,539 | $50,926 | $225,900 | $1,044 | 32 | 16% | 30% |
| 8 | Colorado | 30,626 | 5.21 | $65,147 | $68,289 | $550,300 | $1,771 | 31 | 27% | 43% |
| 9 | Tennessee | 27,791 | 3.90 | $51,078 | $52,241 | $307,300 | $1,214 | 34 | 18% | 32% |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 25,058 | 6.18 | $46,761 | $49,080 | $208,600 | $1,020 | 32 | 19% | 24% |
Cost and Convenience Challenges
The expense of moving has risen dramatically, with local moves costing between $400 and $1,000 and cross-country relocations for larger homes ranging from $8,000 to $11,000. These costs, exacerbated by inflation, fuel prices, and labor shortages, make relocating a financial challenge for many households.
Southern States Still on Top
Lower housing costs, favorable tax policies, and economic opportunities make southern states perennial favorites for movers. The region’s urban centers, including Dallas, Atlanta, and Miami, have become hubs of activity, offering vibrant cultural scenes and access to emerging industries like tech and healthcare.
The shift in net migration leadership from Florida to Texas in 2023 reflects broader trends. Florida saw a significant drop in its net migration figures, falling from 238,000 newcomers in 2022 to 137,000 in 2023, a decrease of nearly 100,000. Meanwhile, Texas maintained its steady influx of residents, earning it the top spot.
Remote work also continues to play a crucial role in migration trends, with 20% of long-distance movers identifying as remote workers compared to 14% of the general population. Among those who relocated to a new state in 2023, 39% became homeowners within their first year, underscoring the continued appeal of homeownership for those making long-distance moves.
To read the full report, including more data, charts, and methodology, click here.
