Moving Statistics 2026: Migration Patterns, Trends & Industry Data

How Many People Move Each Year?

Tracking exactly how many people pack up and relocate helps us understand bigger shifts in our neighborhoods and our economy. 

• An estimated 40.1 million adults moved in 2024, the most recently available data from the Census Bureau
• The average American will move 12 times in their lifetime.
• In 2025, 78.49% of movers relocated within the same state, while 21.51% crossed state lines.
• According to the US Census, nearly 1.3 million people moved to the U.S. from outside the country between 2024 and 2025.
• According to the most recent data, the moving industry earned 23.1 billion dollars in revenue in 2024, an 8.4% increase from the previous year.
• People aged 65 and older have a moving rate of only 3.3%, compared to 12.8% for those aged 20 to 24.
• High housing costs are a significant barrier, as 7.5% of all moves were specifically motivated by a search for cheaper housing.
• The rise of remote work continues to impact mobility, with Washington, D.C., a hub for high-density professional roles, experiencing a sustained monthly outflow of 7.6 residents per 10,000 as people seek more flexible living situations.

Is the U.S. Moving Rate Declining?

When you examine long term moving trends in America, the overall relocation rate is definitely declining. Since 1948, the percentage of the population that moves each year has dropped from roughly 20% down to about 8% today.

If we rewind to 1985, relocations peaked with over 46 million Americans changing addresses, but ever since 2000, there’s been a steady downward slope. 

The year 2025 has also proved to be a slower year overall for the industry. We saw an average of 1.3 people move per 10,000 residents, dropping from the 2.4 rate we saw the year prior.

Primary Reasons for Moving

According to the most recent Census data, the number one reason why people move is for new or better housing. In fact, 3.7 million people (or 14.5% of all people moving) relocated for this reason alone. This aligns closely with the results of HireAHelper’s Customer Survey, which found that 18% of those who moved in 2024 did so because they had bought a new home.

Another 2.6 million Americans moved because of a job, and 2.1 million to establish their own household. Bottom of the list of reasons? Natural disasters, which accounted for just ~63,000 moves in 2024.

Here’s an in-depth look at the reasons people moved based on recent Census data:

• The desire for new or better housing sparked 14.5% of all moves.
• 10.1% of moves were due to a new job or a job transfer.
• The search for cheaper housing spurred 7.5% of moves.
• Those who wanted to own a home instead of rent accounted for 6% of all moves.
• 5.3% of those who moved had a change in marital status.
• 4.8% of moves were for an easier work commute.

Where Are People Moving? State and Interstate Migration Patterns

When we look closely at recent relocation industry data, moving patterns by state and metro region begin to emerge. Historically, states like California and New York brought in plenty of new residents. However, the story of 2025 is much different. Skyrocketing living expenses are finally outweighing the cool factor and job opportunities of these coastal hubs. In 2025, California lost 25.1 people per 10,000 residents, and New York saw a loss of 28.2 people per 10,000. Since people now seemingly prioritize affordability and job growth, Texas and South Carolina consistently rank much higher as destinations of choice.

State-Level Migration Patterns and Moving Facts

Net migration is the best way to assess which states are best and worst for moving. Net migration tells us how many more people moved to the state than left. According to HireAHelper’s 2026 Migration Report, the top states for net migration are as follows

Top 10 U.S. States People Move to by Net Gain:

1. Texas: +68,318 net moves
2. South Carolina: +41,548 net moves
3. North Carolina: +30,947 net moves
4. Tennessee: +30,457 net moves
5. Alabama: +18,491 net moves
6. Florida: +15,166 net moves
7. Georgia: +14,509 net moves
8. Idaho: +11,960 net moves
9. Oklahoma: +10,534 net moves
10. Arkansas: +10,090 net moves

Net migration statistics often tell a surprising story when adjusted for population size. By this measure, South Carolina led the nation in 2025 with a net gain of 79.7 residents per 10,000 people. This level of per capita growth is transformative, often putting immediate pressure on local housing supplies and accelerating job creation in a short period.

Top 10 U.S. States People Move to by Net Gain per Capita:

1. South Carolina: +79.7 residents per 10,000
2. Idaho: +63.2 residents per 10,000
3. Delaware: +54.5 residents per 10,000
4. Tennessee: +43.6 residents per 10,000
5. Alabama: +36.6 residents per 10,000
6. Maine: +35.7 residents per 10,000
7. Arkansas: +33.3 residents per 10,000
8. North Carolina: +29.2 residents per 10,000
9. Oklahoma: +26.4 residents per 10,000
10. Wyoming: +26.0  residents per 10,000

City-Level Migration Patterns and Moving Facts

Metro area data reveals some fascinating trends. The biggest winners in 2025 were not major metros, but rather mid-sized and smaller markets. Movers increasingly chose cities that offer a perfect balance of affordability, livability, and access to jobs without the congestion or high costs typically associated with big cities.

Top 10 U.S. Cities People Move to by Net Migration:

1. Myrtle Beach, SC: +190 net moves per 1,000
2. Ocala, FL: +124 net moves per 1,000
3. Seaford, DE: +124 net moves per 1,000
4. Wilmington, NC: +100 net moves per 1,000
5. Huntsville, AL: +72 net moves per 1,000
6. Spartanburg, SC: +71 net moves per 1,000
7. Boise City, ID: +71 net moves per 1,000
8. Fayetteville, AR: +59 net moves per 1,000
9. Port St. Lucie, FL: +54 net moves per 1,000
10. Greenville, SC: +51 net moves per 1,000

ZIP Code Migration Data

ZIP code-level migration data tends to be more subject to how big the ZIP code’s population size is, and larger populations have more movement. Still, there are some ZIP codes that have booms that are outsized in comparison to their population. 

The Top 10 U.S. ZIP Codes People Move to:

1. Cypress, TX (77433): 3,638 Moves
2. New Braunfels, TX (78130): 3,486 Moves
3. Winter Garden, FL (34787): 3,442 Moves
4. Leander, TX (78641): 3,349 Moves
5. Katy, TX (77493): 3,215 Moves
6. Queen Creek, AZ (85142): 3,059 Moves
7. Parker, CO (80134): 2,961 Moves
8. McKinney, TX (75071): 2,895 Moves
9. Roseville, CA (95747): 2,887 Moves
10. San Antonio, TX (78253): 2,883 Moves

If you want to know where Americans are moving on a micro level, then our Hottest ZIP Codes in America research hub, which dives into millions of residential moves, is exactly what you’re looking for. This data reveals the specific neighborhoods experiencing the fastest growth across the country.

This ongoing monthly report tracks inbound moves based on destination ZIP codes. We analyze this data consistently so we can safely separate short-term spikes from sustained migration patterns. Exploring these trends helps us deeply understand the economic, social, and lifestyle factors driving where people actually choose to live. We highly encourage you to check out the research hub to spot emerging hot spots and learn more about shifting local demand.

Move Distance Facts

Current local vs long distance moving statistics show that most folks strongly prefer to stay close to home.

When we compare same-state vs out-of-state move rates, the winner is clear. A whopping 78.49% of all moves happen completely within the same state. That equals over 11.7 million people choosing to stay local.

The percentage of interstate moves sits at just over 21%. While it is the smaller portion of the pie, it still translates to over 3.2 million Americans crossing state lines for a fresh start.

Moving Industry Statistics

The relocation industry is an active sector that keeps our economy moving forward. Currently, there are over 17,936 moving companies operating across the United States. These businesses employ 109,062 hard-working professionals who help families transition to their new homes every single day.

Financially, the U.S. moving industry is incredibly strong, recently earning 23.1 billion dollars in annual revenue. Because the industry is so vast, the moving company market share remains highly fragmented. No single business holds a monopoly, though full-service movers currently capture the largest portion of overall revenue.

In 2026, while the industry continues to grow financially, the actual number of people moving has slowed down compared to previous years. High housing costs and locked-in mortgage rates mean fewer families are moving on a whim, leading to a year defined by highly deliberate and carefully planned relocations.

When Do People Move? Facts on Seasonality

Warm weather, school breaks, and job transitions usually make the period from May through August the busiest time of year to relocate. However, 2025 showed us that even the busiest season can hit a bit of a lull.

Some states kept a steady beat. Hotspots like South Carolina and Idaho did not just rely on a summer spike. They saw a consistent flow of new residents arriving every single month throughout the year.

Overall, moving season consistently runs from May through August each year. 45% of all moves happen during peak moving season.

August was the busiest month. While June often takes the top spot, August stood out as the most active month for moving in 2025, especially in the Southeast.

Who Is Moving? Age, Income, Profile Trends

Migration is about more than just maps. When we look at who is moving and why, distinct patterns emerge based on life stages and financial priorities. In 2025, moving trends were defined by a shift toward mid-sized markets and a focus on long-term stability rather than just lifestyle alone.

Generational Moving Trends

If you want to know who moves the most by age, the younger and middle-aged crowds are clearly leading the charge. Millennial moving trends and Gen X relocation habits show these groups are the heavy lifters of the industry, together accounting for 73.6% of all recorded moves in 2025. These individuals are typically in their prime earning and family-forming years, making them the most mobile segment of the population.

Gen Z moving statistics show that this youngest adult generation is also highly mobile and career-driven. Many Gen Z and millennial movers gravitated toward Washington, D.C., seeking out dynamic job markets and urban amenities to kickstart their professional lives.

On the other handretirement migration trends show that older Americans and Traditionalists are choosing slower-paced, retirement-friendly environments, with a clear preference for states like New Hampshire. Unlike younger generations chasing jobs, these movers are often optimizing for quality of life and tax advantages in their later years.

Income-Based Moving Trends

Budget is also a huge factor and influence when it comes to moving statistics. In 2025, the largest share of movers—39.8%—earned between $51,000 and $100,000 annually. This middle-income bracket represents households working hard to balance career advancement with everyday affordability.

Interestingly, there was only a 0.77% difference in relocation rates between those earning under $50,000 and those earning between $101,000 and $200,000. However similar their activity in the moving market was, though, their motivations differed. Lower-income movers were more likely to head to states like West Virginia, North Dakota, and Mississippi for lower costs. Meanwhile, higher-income households clustered in states with strong economic centers like Connecticut, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Renters vs. Homeowners

When comparing the renter vs homeowner moving rate, renters are significantly more likely to pack up and move. This is largely due to rental turnover statistics, as shifting a lease is often less bureaucratic than a property sale.

However, moving statistics and home sales remain deeply connected. The homeownership mobility rate is often tied to broader housing market migration trends, such as interest rates and inventory. In 2025, many first-time buyer relocation trends were driven by a search for affordable entry-level markets. Rather than moving frequently, homeowners are making more deliberate, long-term choices to put down roots where they can actually afford to buy.

Moving Cost Statistics

Since finances sit at the very top of most priority lists, understanding the cost of your relocation is incredibly important. Moving locally averages under $1,000, though your final total depends heavily on the size of your home and the time of year you relocate. A long-distance move typically runs between $4,000 and $10,000. 

Labor-only movers charge an average of $81 per hour to help you load and unload your moving truck or container. This option is an affordable alternative to traditional full-service movers, who average $120 per hour. 

Keep in mind that nearly 40% of folks find their move costs more than they originally expected. This usually happens because of extra charges for things like carrying items down multiple flights of stairs, moving heavy specialty pieces, or adding vehicle transport.

Cheapest and Most Expensive States for Labor-Only Movers

Have you ever wondered why moving labor costs so much more in certain areas? Regional factors like local competition, overall cost of living, and seasonal demand completely change the pricing landscape. 

For example, states with highly competitive markets or dense populations often see lower baseline prices. Using proprietary MovingPlace data, we found that Connecticut, Florida, and North Carolina offer the absolute best rates for labor-only help. Conversely, states with more rural routes or fewer competing companies see higher costs. Arkansas, New Hampshire, and New Mexico rank as the most expensive states to hire labor-only movers.

Here are the cheapest states for labor-only moves:

• Connecticut ($391)
• Florida ($399)
• North Carolina ($408)

Here are the most expensive states for labor-only moves:

• Arkansas ($614)
• New Hampshire ($559)
• New Mexico ($518)

Cheapest and Most Expensive States for Local Full-Service Movers

Just like labor-only options, the rates for local full-service movers shift dramatically depending on exactly where you live. Proprietary data from MovingPlace reveals that local regulations, fuel costs, and available workforce heavily impact these totals. Florida shines again as a highly affordable moving market, likely due to a network of available crews. Kansas and Pennsylvania also offer fantastic rates. On the other hand, Arkansas, New Hampshire, and New Mexico once again top the charts as the absolute most expensive markets to secure a local full-service moving crew.

Here are the cheapest states for local full-service moves:

• Florida ($1,049)
• Kansas ($1,054)
• Pennsylvania ($1,058)

Here are the most expensive states for local full-service moves:

• Arkansas ($1,601)
• New Hampshire ($1,458)
• New Mexico ($1,352)

What This Means for the Moving Industry

The data tells a clear story about the future of relocation. The moving industry is shifting away from a frantic pace and settling into a much more intentional market. Families prioritize affordability and long-term stability over quick changes today. Because of this trend, moving companies must adapt to serve growing regional hotspots across the South while providing excellent value to budget-conscious customers.

Understanding these industry shifts gives you an advantage when planning your own transition. Since affordability drives so many relocation decisions right now, you can actively protect your budget by scheduling your move during the quieter off-season instead of the busy summer months. Additionally, knowing if you are moving to or from a highly popular area allows you to prepare strategically. You can secure your moving crew well in advance to beat the local rush, and you can better time the sale of your current home to maximize your profit.

You can easily avoid unfair pricing by gathering and comparing multiple quotes from our reliable MovingPlace marketplace. Starting your planning process early drastically reduces your stress and ensures you find trusted professionals who fit your specific needs perfectly.

Methodology

To bring you the most accurate and helpful moving trends, we dive deep into a variety of trusted sources. Our research includes the latest data from the US Census, which gives us an overview of national shifts. We also pull detailed insights from the HireAHelper Retirement Study and their comprehensive Migration Study to understand exactly why different age groups decide to pack up and leave.

Beyond public data, we are incredibly proud to feature our own proprietary insights. Much of the unique information you see here comes directly from PGM, which is part of the Porch Group of companies. By analyzing millions of actual residential moves across the country each year, this robust consumer data allows us to track real-time origin and destination patterns. This exclusive and consistently updated information helps us spot emerging regional hotspots and shifting demographics so we can always give you the absolute best moving advice possible.