Interstate Moves Hit 10-Year Low As Affordability Bites: Which States Are Still Gaining Residents?

America’s pandemic-era relocation boom is officially cooling. Interstate migration fell to its lowest level in a decade in 2024, with just 7.15 million Americans moving across state lines — more than 1 million fewer than at the 2022 peak. That’s roughly a 13% drop in just two years.

Our analysis of the latest Census data shows that the Sun Belt is no longer unstoppable. Texas and Florida are still gaining residents, but at roughly half last year’s pace. Meanwhile, a comeback is taking shape in parts of the Midwest — and Gen Z has quietly become the most mobile generation in America.

What migration says about America’s housing market

The pull factors that once drew households across state lines — cheaper housing, lower taxes and more space — have weakened. Many of the states that attracted waves of incoming migration in recent years, particularly the Sunbelt states, have seen home prices climb sharply, eroding their affordability advantage.

At the same time, elevated mortgage rates are locking many homeowners in place. Millions secured ultra-low rates several years ago and are now reluctant to trade them for loans that would dramatically raise their monthly payments. For more and more would-be movers, the math simply doesn’t add up anymore.

Work is also reshaping mobility patterns. As more employers scale back fully remote arrangements, relocating to a lower-cost state can carry new professional risks. Without certainty about long-term flexibility, households are hesitating — and career mobility, once the dominant engine of interstate migration, has softened considerably over the past decade. According to United Van Lines’ latest movers study, “new job or company transfer” accounted for 25.92% of moves in 2025, down from 29.10% in 2023 and dramatically below the 2018 peak of 47.60%.

Instead, migration today is increasingly anchored in personal relationships. Strengthening family ties has become the most common reason for interstate moving in both 2024 and 2025. In 2025, 29.13% of movers relocated to be closer to family, up from 27.10% in 2023. Retirement remains another steady driver at 13.86%, while lifestyle changes account for 9.54% of moves. Notably, “improved cost of living” — a frequent justification during the pandemic migration wave — represents just 3.22% of moves in 2025, underscoring how affordability-driven relocations have lost momentum.

Essentially, we’re seeing a more cautious, more constrained America. Moving across state lines is no longer an obvious path to saving money. Instead, relocation decisions are increasingly shaped by pragmatic and lifestyle-oriented considerations — strengthening family ties, planning retirement, or seeking stability amid economic uncertainty and climate pressures.

With lifestyle priorities taking center stage, more than 7 million Americans changed states in 2024.

Who are today’s movers, and where are they headed next?

Gen Z leads interstate migration for the first time ever

For the first time on record, Gen Z is America’s most mobile generation, accounting for nearly one in three interstate moves. In 2024, 2.2 million young adults moved to a different state overtaking Millennials after years of millennial dominance and a near tie between the two generations in 2023.

Several factors help explain Gen Z’s rise to the top. Many in this generation are now in their early-to-mid 20s, prime years for mobility driven by education, early career moves and lifestyle exploration. With fewer family obligations and lower homeownership rates, Gen Zers often have greater flexibility to relocate for job opportunities, more affordable cities or simply a change of scenery. The normalization of remote and hybrid work has also expanded their geographic options right at the start of their careers.

That flexibility shows up clearly in where they are choosing to go. The top destinations for net Gen Z migration are South Carolina, Missouri and the District of Columbia, showing that Gen Zers are driven both by affordability and ambition. South Carolina and Missouri offer lower housing costs and growing regional job markets, giving young adults room to establish themselves financially. At the same time, the District of Columbia continues to attract Gen Z movers drawn to policy, media and professional services careers that benefit from proximity and networking.

Meanwhile, millennials, now deeper into their 30s and 40s, are increasingly entering more settled life stages. Marriage, parenthood and homeownership tend to anchor households, making long-distance moves less frequent. As a result, millennials slipped to second place in 2024, representing 28% of interstate movers, or about 2 million people.

The top destinations for net millennial migration are Texas, Maryland and North Carolina, states that combine economic viability with long-term housing opportunities. Texas and North Carolina offer large, diversified metro areas with steady job creation and relatively attainable suburban homeownership. Maryland, while more expensive, provides access to stable, high-paying employment tied to federal and professional services sectors. For millennials, interstate migration is increasingly about locking in the next phase of life rather than experimenting with it.

Young, educated and planting roots: The face of interstate migration

Interstate mobility is not evenly distributed across the population but concentrated among specific age and education groups. Understanding who is moving, and why, helps explain both the economic motivations behind relocation and the longer-term implications for housing and regional growth.

• Younger and slightly below the national income average

Americans who moved to a different state in 2024 reported annual incomes of around $60,000 — slightly below the national average of just under $62,000. At the same time, they are notably younger than the broader population: The average interstate mover is 33 years old, compared to a national median age of around 40.

Younger adults are typically earlier in their earning trajectories, which explains the modest income gap. Yet they are also more likely to relocate to unlock higher future earnings,  whether by accessing stronger job markets, specialized industries or faster-growing metros. In that sense, interstate mobility can be viewed as an investment of young Americans in long-term income growth rather than a reflection of their current earnings power.

• A more educated group on the move

Interstate movers are also more highly educated than the general population. About 60% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to roughly 39% nationwide.

Higher educational attainment often correlates with careers in knowledge-based industries, sectors that are both geographically concentrated and more open to relocation or remote work. College-educated workers may be more willing and able to move for specialized roles, promotions or access to innovation hubs. Additionally, degrees tend to provide skills that are transferable across state lines, lowering the risks associated with relocating.

• Remote work still plays a role

Nearly 19% of long-distance movers work from home, compared to 13% of the general population. While fully remote work is no longer expanding at its pandemic pace, it continues to enable geographic flexibility for a meaningful share of workers.

Remote and hybrid arrangements reduce the need to live near corporate headquarters, allowing employees to prioritize affordability, lifestyle preferences or proximity to family. Even partial flexibility can make longer commutes feasible, broadening the radius within which households are willing to relocate.

• Moving strategically for homeownership

About 42% of Americans who moved across state lines in 2024 purchased a home in their new state. That figure is well below the national homeownership rate of nearly 69%, a gap that can be largely explained by age. Because interstate movers skew younger, they are still transitioning from renting to owning. For many, relocating continues to be a strategic step toward homeownership.

US migration magnets: Southern and Mountain West states dominate, but new relocation hotspots are emerging

Even as interstate moving slows nationwide, some states are much above the rest in terms of attracting and retaining residents. And once again, the strongest performers are concentrated in the South and the Mountain West, regions that have spent years at the forefront of domestic migration.

A combination of relatively affordable housing, lower overall living costs, competitive tax structures and business-friendly environments has consistently positioned these states as magnets for both individuals and employers. Strong job growth, population momentum and pro-development policies have further reinforced their appeal.

In fact, among the top 10 states for net migration in 2024, only one — Ohio — falls outside the South or Mountain West. Its presence, however, signals an important shift. While Sun Belt and interior Western states still dominate the leaderboard, parts of the Midwest and northern U.S. are beginning to gain ground.

Years of sustained inbound migration to Southern and Mountain West states have inevitably reshaped their affordability advantage. Rapid population growth has pushed up home prices, rents and even moving costs in many once-budget-friendly metros. Infrastructure strain and rising insurance premiums in certain areas have also added to the cost equation.

As a result, some households are broadening their search. The Midwest, in particular, is emerging once again as a viable alternative, offering lower housing prices, stable communities and growing job markets without the same intensity of competition seen in long-time migration hotspots. States across the region, including Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin are increasingly capturing a “second wave” of movers who still seek affordability but are priced out of more established Sun Belt destinations.

To better understand these shifts, we ranked the top 10 states by net migration — calculated as the difference between incoming and outgoing residents. Beyond the raw numbers, we also analyzed key demographic indicators such as income, homeownership status, educational attainment and age. These factors tend to be the primary drivers behind long-distance relocation decisions, shaping not just where Americans move, but why they choose to do so.

1. Texas

• Net migration: 76K people

Texas ranks first for net domestic migration for the second consecutive year. However, the momentum is clearly moderating: The state attracted nearly 76,000 net newcomers in 2024 — down roughly 50% from the prior year.

California remains by far the largest feeder state, sending more than 77,000 residents to Texas. Florida follows with roughly 52,000 outbound movers to the Lone Star State, alongside significant arrivals from New York, Colorado and Illinois. These trends reveal Texas’ continued pull from both high-cost coastal markets and other large Sun Belt states, resulting in a mix of affordability-driven and job-driven relocation.

Affordability, long one of Texas’ biggest draws, is no longer what it used to be. Home prices have surged by roughly 124% over the past decade, and major metro areas such as Austin, Dallas and Houston have seen especially steep increases. While the state remains significantly more affordable than California, its top feeder state, the once-wide pricing gap has narrowed. For many movers, Texas is still a relative bargain, but no longer an undisputed one.

That shift is also visible in homebuying patterns. Only about 39% of the new arrivals purchased a home within their first year after relocating. Higher mortgage rates and rising home values may be prompting more arrivals to rent first, wait out market conditions or reassess long-term plans before committing to a purchase.

Still, Texas continues to gain in ways that extend beyond short-term housing dynamics. The state is attracting young and highly educated residents, a combination that strengthens its long-term economic outlook. More than half of new arrivals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the average age among movers is just 32.

2. Florida

• Net migration: 68K people

Florida added roughly 68,000 new residents from domestic migration alone in 2024, maintaining its second position among the nation’s top migration magnets. However, net migration was cut nearly in half compared to 2023 and stands at just over one-third of 2022 levels, when net migration peaked.

Much of that inflow continues to come from the Northeast. New York alone sent about 53,000 residents to Florida last year, reinforcing a long-standing relocation corridor driven by taxes, climate and retirement transitions. At the same time, Florida is drawing households from other large Sun Belt states — roughly 45,000 arrived from Texas — as well as from California, Georgia and Pennsylvania. The mix highlights Florida’s dual appeal: a destination for both higher-cost coastal out-migration and intra-South repositioning.

Florida continues to convert a significant share of the new arrivals into homeowners. About 53% of those relocating to the state purchased a home shortly after arrival — a notable figure given that home prices have climbed approximately 144% over the past decade.

The willingness to buy, despite sharply higher housing costs, speaks to the financial profile of those relocating here. Florida tends to attract comparatively high earners: The average annual income among inbound movers is around $68,000, well above the national average. For many households, the state’s lack of a personal income tax, combined with lifestyle appeal and a strong job market in sectors such as healthcare, finance and hospitality, continues to offset rising real estate costs.

Demographically, Florida’s new residents are somewhat more mature than in other high-growth states. Millennials account for about a quarter of inbound movers, while the average age of recent arrivals is 39, close to the national average.

3. South Carolina

• Net migration: 54K people

South Carolina continues to punch above its weight as a domestic migration magnet, drawing in 54,000 net newcomers in 2024. Much of that growth is regional. North Carolina alone accounted for roughly 34,000 inbound movers, highlighting strong cross-border movement within the Carolinas. New York followed with about 19,000 arrivals, alongside additional inflows from Florida, Georgia and California.

The Palmetto State’s appeal remains particularly strong among younger, upwardly mobile Americans. Affordability plays a central role in that equation. Although home prices in South Carolina have more than doubled over the past decade, the pace of growth has been more moderate than in states like Texas and Florida. Just as important, South Carolina started from a much lower price baseline. Even after years of appreciation, the state still offers relatively attainable entry points into homeownership.

That advantage is reflected in buyer behavior: 51% of them purchase a home within their first year post-relocation, a solid conversion rate, especially considering that the average annual income among inbound movers is about $55,000, below the national average. Those moving to South Carolina skew young and educated. Generation Z is the best-represented cohort among new arrivals, while 53% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, pointing to a talent inflow that supports long-term economic development.

4. Arizona

• Net migration: 51K people

Arizona ranks fourth nationally for net domestic migration in 2024, adding 51,000 more residents than it lost. The slowdown is visible here as well, but it has been relatively modest — down about 10%, a much smaller decline than in larger magnets like Texas and Florida.

Several factors help explain that resilience. The state benefits from an active job market in key metros such as Phoenix, which continue to draw employers and workers in technology, logistics, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Geographic positioning also plays a role: Arizona offers relative affordability while keeping movers within reach of Pacific markets.

A significant share of Arizona’s inbound flow continues to come from California, which sent roughly 51,000 residents to the state last year. Washington followed with about 18,000 movers, alongside additional arrivals from Texas, Colorado and North Carolina.

Demographically, Generation Z accounts for roughly 27% of inbound residents, reinforcing Arizona’s appeal among younger adults entering or advancing in their careers. Financially, newcomers are relatively well positioned, reporting average annual incomes above $63,000 — higher than both the state and national averages. About 46% purchase a home shortly after relocating, signaling confidence in Arizona’s long-term outlook despite higher mortgage rates and substantially higher home prices than a decade ago.

5. Nevada

• Net migration: 43.5K people

Nevada is shaping up to be one of the year’s standout migration gainers. While interstate mobility is slowing nationwide, the state more than doubled its net migration in 2024 compared to the previous year, a rare acceleration in a cooling environment.

Much of that growth is tied to continued incoming migration from California, which sent roughly 54,000 residents to Nevada last year. Other states, including Texas, Florida, Arizona and Virginia, each contributed fewer than 10,000 movers.

Tax advantages, including the absence of a state income tax, continue to attract both remote workers and business owners. At the same time, metros like Las Vegas and Reno are benefiting from economic diversification into logistics, manufacturing and tech-related industries. Relative affordability compared to neighboring California remains central to Nevada’s appeal.

Millennials represent the largest share of new arrivals, yet only about one-third purchase a home shortly after relocating. Higher mortgage rates, combined with Nevada’s fast-moving, investor-heavy housing market, appear to be encouraging many to rent before committing to ownership.

6. North Carolina

• Net migration: 42.3K people

North Carolina remains one of the country’s most attractive relocation destinations, adding 42,300 new residents in 2024. Still, the trend is cooling here as well, with net migration down by about 62% compared to the previous year.

Florida sent roughly 31,000 residents to North Carolina last year, while Virginia accounted for about 28,000. Additional arrivals from South Carolina, Georgia and California point to a mix of cross-border movement within the Southeast but also from higher-cost Western markets.

The state continues to draw a young, highly educated population. About 57% of those who relocated to North Carolina hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well above the national average. That appeal is closely linked to job growth in finance, technology, healthcare and research, particularly in hubs like Charlotte and the Research Triangle. These knowledge-based sectors attract degree holders seeking career advancement in expanding metro areas that remain more attainable than larger coastal markets.

Roughly 43% of the new arrivals purchase a home shortly after relocating. Although prices have increased substantially over the past decade, North Carolina still offers a balance between economic opportunity and relative housing affordability, helping sustain its position as a long-term relocation destination

7. Georgia

• Net migration: 40.2K people

Another Southern economic success story, Georgia continues to rank among the top states for net domestic migration. That said, inflows are moderating, mirroring the broader cooling trend across much of the South.

Florida remains Georgia’s largest incoming migration contributor, sending roughly 54,000 residents north in 2024. Texas follows with about 23,000 movers, alongside other states including neighboring South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as California.

Millennials are the best-represented generation among the new arrivals, accounting for 29% of arrivals. Those relocating report an average annual income of just over $56,000, below the state average of roughly $59,000, suggesting Georgia is attracting a mix of early- and mid-career professionals still advancing along their income trajectory.

Even so, the state’s housing market remains comparatively accessible, particularly outside the urban core of Atlanta. Suburban and secondary markets continue to offer more attainable price points than major coastal metros while benefiting from job growth tied to logistics, film production, fintech and advanced manufacturing. As a result, 42% of the movers purchase a home shortly after settling in.

8. Tennessee

• Net migration: 33K people

Tennessee stands out in 2024 with a 19% increase in net migration compared to the previous year. The state continues to benefit from steady job creation across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics and corporate services, particularly in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville.

Nearly 20,000 people arrived from Florida, with a similar number coming from California, highlighting Tennessee’s reach beyond the Southeast. Additional movers came from Texas, North Carolina and neighboring Alabama, reinforcing both regional ties and growing appeal among households leaving higher-cost coastal states.

Those relocating report average annual incomes above $56,000, slightly higher than the state average. Generation Z accounts for 30% of inbound movers, pointing to Tennessee’s traction among younger adults seeking expanding job markets without the price pressures found in larger coastal metros.

Education levels among new arrivals are notably strong: 55% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly above the statewide share. At the same time, 41% purchase a home within their first year, indicating that many movers view Tennessee not as a temporary stop, but as a place to establish longer-term roots.

9. Ohio

• Net migration: 29K people

Ohio staged one of the most notable migration reversals in the country, shifting from net losses in 2023 to nearly 29,000 net gains in 2024 and entering the top 10 destination states. The turnaround reflects improving job prospects, renewed investment in advanced manufacturing and technology, and housing costs that remain meaningfully lower than in many high-growth Southern markets.

Florida was the largest source of new Ohio residents last year, sending nearly 24,000 people north. After years of outbound Midwest-to-Florida migration, some households are now moving in the opposite direction, likely driven by rising housing costs and insurance premiums in the Sun Belt. Kentucky contributed another 14,000 movers, alongside steady arrivals from Michigan, Pennsylvania and Indiana.

Ohio is the only Midwestern state in the top 10, and its presence suggests that cost recalibration is beginning to influence relocation decisions. Home prices have risen about 86% over the past decade, but that increase remains far below the triple-digit growth seen in several Southern states. For many movers, the trade-off is clear: slightly slower growth in exchange for greater affordability and stability.

Generation Z accounts for 32% of the incoming migration, leading the inflow. More than half of arrivals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, bringing a young and educated cohort into the workforce. At the same time, 44% purchased a home shortly after relocating, an indication that for many households, Ohio represents not a temporary stop but a longer-term move.

10. Oklahoma

• Net migration: 28.4K people

Oklahoma continues its steady run of positive net migration, even posting a slight increase in inflows in 2024. While not a headline-grabbing surge, the consistency itself is significant in a year marked by widespread slowdowns.

Home prices have risen over the past decade, in line with national trends, but Oklahoma’s housing market is still within reach for many. Combined with a low cost of living, this creates the right environment for movers priced out of faster-growing Sun Belt markets.

Growth in energy, aerospace, logistics and advanced manufacturing, particularly around metros like Oklahoma City and Tulsa, is supporting job creation and diversifying the state’s employment base. These opportunities are drawing younger residents, with Generation Z accounting for nearly one-third of the new residents.

Although the average annual income among inbound movers is around $50,000, below the national average, 37% manage to purchase a home within their first year. Most arrive from Texas and California, suggesting Oklahoma is benefiting both from regional spillover and from West Coast residents seeking significantly lower housing costs.

Vermont sees over 20 net newcomers for each 1,000 residents of the state

While large states like Texas and Florida naturally post net migration gains in the tens of thousands, raw numbers don’t always tell the full story. To better understand how domestic migration reshapes communities, we also calculated net migration per 1,000 residents, a metric that highlights where domestic migration has the most concentrated impact.

Vermont leads the nation on this measure, with just over 20 net movers per 1,000 residents. That’s 2% of the state’s population added through domestic migration in a single year.

An extraordinary 86% of them hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and 36% belong to Generation Z. Nearly half (49%) purchased a home shortly after relocating. On the positive side, this influx of young, highly educated residents can strengthen Vermont’s workforce, support entrepreneurship and help offset long-standing demographic challenges tied to aging populations.

At the same time, the influx of new residents can strain limited housing supply, push up prices in small local markets and alter the character of tight-knit communities, especially in rural areas with constrained development capacity.

North Dakota and Wyoming, two states that may not stand out in absolute migration numbers, each report more than 9 net new arrivals per 1,000 residents, indicating substantial relative impact.

In North Dakota, nearly half of the new residents are Gen Z. That likely reflects job opportunities in energy, and logistics, as well as relatively affordable housing that appeals to early-career workers. Their average income of hovers around $47,000, below the state average, suggesting many are at the beginning of their earning trajectories. Only 31% of them purchase a home shortly after moving, indicating a more cautious or rental-first approach.

Wyoming presents a different pattern. Here, 52% of the new arrivals become homeowners within their first year and 54% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The state’s combination of low taxes, natural amenities and relatively friendly housing markets appears to attract financially stable, education-driven movers ready to put down roots.

West Virginia records roughly 8 net newcomers per 1,000 residents, while Idaho posts slightly over 6. In both states, Gen Z represents the largest share of incoming residents.

In West Virginia, 46% of those who relocated purchase a home within their first year, a strong indicator that affordability continues to play a central role in attracting movers. Idaho shows a similarly high homebuying rate at 43%, though the state has experienced more pronounced price growth in recent years.

Top destinations for homeowners: Buyers flock to New England

Climbing the property ladder remains one of the strongest motivations behind long-distance relocation. Of the 34 states that posted positive net migration in 2024, nine stand out for converting more than half of their new residents into homeowners within the first year.

Perhaps most surprising, two small New England states lead the nation on this measure. In New Hampshire, 57% of those who relocated here purchase a home shortly after arriving, a remarkable share for a state not typically considered affordable. While the average income of inbound movers, at around $61,000, is slightly below the state average of $66,000, buyers may be prioritizing long-term stability over short-term cost considerations. Proximity to the Boston metro area, no state income tax, strong public services and access to spectacular outdoors make New Hampshire an attractive destination for households intending to settle permanently rather than test the waters.

Maine follows closely, with 56% of the new arrivals purchasing a home within their first year. Housing in Maine remains comparatively more attainable than in much of coastal New England, and the state’s lifestyle appeal, from natural scenery to smaller, tight-knit communities, continues to draw movers looking for permanence rather than temporary relocation.

High homebuying conversion rates are not limited to the Northeast. Delaware, Mississippi, Arkansas and Michigan also report that at least half of the recent movers enter the housing market shortly after relocating. In many of these states, relatively affordable home prices compared to national averages play a decisive role, making ownership achievable.

Biggest domestic migration losses: Expensive coastal states continue to bleed out residents

High-cost coastal states remain on the losing end of domestic migration, extending trends that have been building for years. Combined, California and New York lost nearly 400,000 residents to other states in 2024 alone.

California has now posted net domestic migration losses for 10 consecutive years, shedding more than 263,000 residents in 2024. That figure is slightly higher than in 2023, though still well below the peak outflows recorded in 2021 and 2022, when pandemic-era mobility and remote work flexibility accelerated departures.

New York ranks second for net domestic out-migration, with a negative balance of 129,000 residents in 2024. Unlike California, however, New York is seeing a meaningful slowdown in departures, losing roughly 50,000 fewer residents than in the previous year. While affordability pressures and housing constraints persist, the urgency to relocate may be easing, particularly as remote work policies are being reevaluated by many companies high-paying sectors like tech, finance and media.

Two other states, Illinois and New Jersey, are also recording consistent domestic migration losses. In 2024, Illinois lost 81,000 residents and New Jersey 61,000, both slightly improved compared to the prior year.

Migration slowdown impacts self storage prices and raises stakes for investors

Across the top inbound states, self storage pricing is increasingly reflecting changes in relocation activity, something that consumers are starting to feel directly.

Many of these markets expanded rapidly during recent migration waves. As a result, storage availability per capita now sits well above the national benchmark of roughly 7 square feet per resident: 11.4 square feet in Texas, 11.7 in Nevada, 9.8 in Florida and as much as 13.2 in Oklahoma. For renters, that translates into more facilities, more unit choices and — in some cases — more negotiating power.

Because moving is one of the main reasons people rent storage in the first place, shifts in interstate migration quickly influence pricing. When fewer households relocate into a state, demand for temporary storage during moves, renovations or transitions tends to soften.

That trend is already visible in year-over-year street rates. Texas recorded a 0.9% decline, while Florida, Arizona and Georgia all saw drops hovering around -1.5%. In each of these states, net domestic migration cooled. With fewer new arrivals needing short-term storage space, operators have adjusted pricing to remain competitive, creating some savings opportunities for consumers.

Supply Meets Slower Migration: Self Storage Prices Adjust in Many Magnet States

State	Self Storage Inventory ( sq. ft. per capita)	Self Storage Street Rate	Y-o-Y Self Storage Street Rate Change
Texas	11.4	$116	-0.9%
Florida	9.82	$138	-1.4%
South Carolina	11.01	$120	1.7%
Arizona	9.31	$120	-1.6%
Nevada	11.77	$128	0.0%
North Carolina	10.71	$115	0.9%
Georgia	10.16	$116	-1.7%
Tennessee	10.13	$113	-1.7%
Ohio	6.67	$103	0.0%
Oklahoma	13.27	$92	1.1%
Alabama	11.9	$106	-2.8%
Michigan	6.63	$119	0.0%
Washington	8.54	$156	0.6%
Wisconsin	9.47	$115	0.0%
West Virginia	7.6	$100	-2.9%
Vermont	9.76	$130	#N/A
Idaho	18.4	$103	-1.0%
Arkansas	15.36	$98	-1.0%
Maryland	6.4	$150	2.7%
Nebraska	8.69	$104	4.0%
Mississippi	12.3	$113	-2.6%
North Dakota	9	$109	No data
Missouri	8.44	$115	1.8%
Kentucky	8.49	$112	1.8%
New Hampshire	10.49	$137	0.0%
Utah	10.74	$118	-3.3%
Wyoming	16.08	$98	2.1%
Maine	9.42	$136	0.7%
Delaware	7.21	$134	2.3%
Oregon	9.32	$143	-1.4%
Rhode Island	5.23	$146	2.8%
District Of Columbia	2.17	$161	0.6%
Montana	25.45	$102	0.0%
Virginia	8.39	$143	2.9%
Indiana	8.19	$101	2.0%
Hawaii	3.76	$261	1.6%
Kansas	7.54	$116	0.9%
South Dakota	15.01	$102	2.0%
New Mexico	9.24	$116	0.0%
Minnesota	6.6	$122	1.7%
Louisiana	11.51	$117	-3.3%
Connecticut	5.54	$144	0.7%
Colorado	8.65	$132	0.0%
Pennsylvania	5.2	$130	1.6%
Iowa	7.8	$100	-2.0%
Alaska	7.18	$199	0.0%
Massachusetts	4.9	$160	2.6%
New Jersey	4.45	$153	1.3%
Illinois	6.07	$128	1.6%
New York	3.86	$179	2.3%
California	6.64	$180	1.1%

StorageCafe analysis of data from Yardi Matrix (Data as of Dec 2025| Pub: Mar 2026).

Nevada offers a different picture. The state has one of the highest storage inventories in the country at 11.7 square feet per capita. At the same time, net domestic migration surged 132% year over year. Instead of falling, street rates remained stable. In practical terms, strong inbound demand absorbed available units, limiting the kind of price declines seen elsewhere. For renters, that means fewer discounts in markets where migration remains strong.

Oklahoma reflects a similar dynamic. Migration into the state increased, and street rates rose 1.1% year over year despite substantial storage supply. Additional household formation translated into steady demand for units.

Of course, storage pricing is influenced by more than migration alone. Local job growth, housing turnover, apartment construction and income levels all affect demand. Still, moving remains one of the most immediate triggers for renting a storage unit, particularly in states that expanded supply aggressively during high-growth years.

As migration slows nationally, the consumer experience is becoming more market-specific. In high-supply states where inbound moves are cooling, renters may find slightly lower rates and more promotional offers. In markets where relocation activity remains strong, pricing is holding firmer.

As for operators and investors, inventory levels and migration trajectory must be evaluated together. The next phase of self storage performance will be shaped less by explosive migration surges and more by disciplined market selection. Geographic diversification remains critical to achieving stable, long-term real estate portfolio performance in a moderating demographic landscape.

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Current interstate migration trends tell a story of recalibration. Americans are still moving long distance, yet the pace has slowed, the geography is shifting and the profile of movers is evolving. The Sun Belt no longer enjoys unchecked momentum, the Midwest is reentering the conversation and younger, educated households are increasingly moving state-to-state, often with homeownership in mind. The winners will be the states (and the real estate sectors) that adjust to slower growth, focusing on affordability, stability and long-term fundamentals rather than rapid population gains.

The table below summarizes all key metrics used in this analysis:

What the experts are saying

To add context and perspective to interstate migration patterns, we spoke with experts in demographics, housing and regional economics.

Doug Ressler

Business Intelligence Manager, Yardi Matrix

Looking at interstate migration nationally, what do you see as the key factors driving it right now, and how do you think it might evolve going forward?

Interstate migration today is far more measured than during the pandemic surge, but it remains directionally powerful. Overall mobility is near a multi-decade low, largely due to high mortgage rates discouraging homeowners from selling. That “lock-in” effect has reduced total move volume. However, the moves that are happening are still reshaping regional growth. The strongest pull continues to come from Southern and Western states, where affordability, tax structures and job growth remain attractive.

What has shifted is the motivation mix. Moving closer to family has become one of the leading reasons people relocate, signaling a more personal and lifestyle-driven migration pattern. Affordability still matters, especially for households leaving high-cost states, but many movers are now targeting mid-sized cities rather than headline boomtowns. Remote and hybrid work also continue to support geographic flexibility, even if at a more moderate pace than in 2021 and 2022. Going forward, migration is likely to remain slower in volume but steady in direction, with demographic trends — particularly retiree relocation — reinforcing growth in warmer, lower-tax states.

How do you think the latest migration trends are impacting self storage demand and pricing?

These migration dynamics have a direct impact on self-storage. Since relocations generate a significant portion of storage demand, slower overall mobility has softened new move-ins in many markets. Facilities in high in-migration states such as Texas, Florida and North Carolina continue to see relatively healthy demand, but not at pandemic-era levels. Meanwhile, the mortgage lock-in effect has reduced turnover, which limits short-term, move-related storage activity.

Pricing reflects this normalization. After a period of rapid rent growth and heavy development, many markets are now stabilizing. Operators are focusing more on occupancy and operational efficiency rather than aggressive expansion. As excess supply is absorbed and migration flows remain steady — even if slower — demand and pricing are expected to stabilize, with gradual improvement possible toward late 2026.

Wendell Cox

Demographia | Wendell Cox Consultancy; Senior Fellow, Chapman University Center for Demographics and Policy

What do recent migration patterns suggest about how Americans are making relocation decisions today?

Net domestic migration has moderated from the elevated levels observed during the Covid period but remains substantial by historical standards. For example, California recorded net domestic out-migration of approximately 229,000 in 2025, well above its average annual loss of about 168,000 from 2000 to 2024. Since 2000, California and New York have each lost more than four million net domestic migrants.

Two structural factors appear to be particularly important: state income tax burdens and housing affordability (that is, overall cost of living). Recent policy changes in Washington illustrate these dynamics. The state has approved a significant new high-income tax measure that is not indexed for inflation, increasing the likelihood of bracket expansion over time and potentially dampening net in-migration.

At the same time, Washington exhibits one of the least affordable housing markets in the nation, with house prices rising sharply relative to incomes following the imposition of stringent constraints on outer suburban land development. Net domestic migration to the state has already weakened. Comparable land-use restrictions in Oregon and Colorado have likewise been associated with reduced housing affordability.

California represents the most pronounced case. House prices have more than tripled amid increasingly restrictive land-use regulation. The State Department of Finance now projects virtually no population growth through 2070, in contrast to an increase of approximately 20 million residents between 1970 and 2025.

Conditions are similar in Hawaii, where severe housing affordability constraints and restrictive land-use policies continue to limit net domestic migration.

In sum, states that maintain lower tax burdens and more flexible land-use regimes are likely to continue attracting net domestic migrants, while those characterized by higher taxes and reduced housing affordability are likely to experience continued out-migration. Migration patterns consistently reflect differences in the cost of living: households tend to relocate away from jurisdictions where housing and tax burdens exceed their means.

Rich Doty

GIS Coordinator & Research Demographer, Bureau of Economic and Business Research , University of Florida

As interstate migration cools across the U.S., how is Florida being affected?

Florida has more deaths than births, and we’re not expecting that to change for the foreseeable future. Domestic migration to Florida is slowing compared to the robust numbers we saw over the last 10 years. We think the primary reasons are:

• • Affordability (Housing in the primary destinations for in-migrants has increased significantly over the last 10 years. Insurance costs are also high. Florida isn’t the relative bargain it once was.)
  • Many companies are reversing their option to work remotely.
  • Recent hurricanes have been costly and highly publicized. The impacts to Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay Area (two areas favored by domestic migrants – retirees and workers alike) over the last 5 years have had a noticeable impact on growth. Some of our more vulnerable communities have lost population (like Ft. Myers Beach and several communities in Pinellas County.)

Political and economic factors here and abroad are constantly changing, so international migration will continue to be a wild card that is difficult to predict.

Kenneth M. Johnson, PhD

Professor of Sociology, Senior Demographer, Carsey School, Andrew Carnegie Fellow, University of New Hampshire

What do recent migration patterns suggest about how Americans are making relocation decisions today?

During the pandemic, three major short-term migration trends were evident:

1. Domestic migration diminished in overall volume and became much more selective
2. A significant number of people who might have migrated under normal circumstances decided to stay put during the pandemic
3. There was a significant net outflow of domestic migrants from large urban cores to lower density suburban areas, and to select rural areas. These rural areas were just beyond the urban edge as well as those se that were recreational and amenity areas and retirement destinations — in many cases this involved movements across state lines.

What key factors do you believe will shape migration patterns in the coming years?

Migration is never driven by a single factor. It varies across the life cycle ( young adult, family, retirement age, etc.) and even among migrants — or potential migrants in the same life-cycle stage.  Among migrants at a given life-cycle stage, decisions about migration involve multiple factors including employment opportunities, cost of living, family, the physical and social environment of a given place. Our research suggests that individuals or families don’t move or stay put for a single reason, but that multiple factors come into play in their decisions.

Susan M. Wachter

Albert Sussman Professor of Real Estate and Professor of Finance at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

What do recent migration patterns suggest about how Americans are making relocation decisions today?

Affordability still sits at the center of America’s moving decisions — but the once-unstoppable pull of the Sun Belt is starting to ease. Younger movers aren’t just heading south anymore; Gen Z and millennials are increasingly eyeing the Midwest as they broaden the search for an affordable home to live their American Dream.

Lloyd B. Potter, Ph.D.

Texas State Demographer, Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology and Demography, The University of Texas at San Antonio

What do recent migration patterns suggest about how Americans are making relocation decisions today?

In Texas and many other areas with growing urban cores, we’re seeing population growth occur most rapidly in suburban ring cities and counties while urban core growth has slowed.

For Suburban ring counties, most of the growth is being driven by domestic migration. Many people are moving from urban cores to suburban rings seeking lower costs, newer housing, better schools, and more space. Typically, a move to a suburban county will be within commuting or hybrid‑commuting distance of major metro economies.

What key factors do you believe will shape migration patterns in the coming years?

Domestic migration tends to be strongly associated with the economics of a geographic area. If jobs are being lost, people will move away, and if they are being created, they will move in. There are other factors as well such as housing affordability and other quality of life factors such as good schools and recreational opportunities.

William H. Frey

Demographer and Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution

What key factors do you believe will shape migration patterns in the coming years?

I think it’s difficult to predict migration patterns in the near term based on sharp shifts since the pandemic and new immigration scenarios. The pandemic years showed hypermobility from Midwest and coastal states to Sun Belt magnets like Texas and Florida. Yet, while those states still attract interstate movers, the pace of that movement has slowed down in the past few years as people have adopted new work and lifestyle patterns. If immigration from abroad continues to be curtailed, perhaps states like California and New York, that have relied heavily on immigration for their population and labor force growth, will make exceptional efforts to retain and attract domestic migrants.

Methodology

This report was prepared by StorageCafe, an online marketplace for self storage listings nationwide.

All US states and the District of Columbia were ranked according to net domestic migration, defined as the difference between the number of residents moving into a state and those moving out during the same period.

Migration flows, along with data on income, homeownership, education and other demographic characteristics of movers, were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. To assess long-term national migration trends, we analyzed population data from the American Community Survey (ACS) covering the 2015–2024 period.

State-to-state migration patterns for 2024 were examined using the U.S. Census Bureau’s ACS Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS).

In addition to total net migration, states were also evaluated based on the number of net newcomers per 1,000 residents, providing a population-adjusted measure of migration intensity.

Median home values at both the national and state levels reflect 2024 housing unit data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Rental figures are also drawn from the 2024 ACS.

Self storage rent levels and inventory data were sourced from Yardi Matrix, StorageCafe’s sister company, which provides commercial real estate intelligence and underwriting tools across the multifamily, office, industrial and self storage sectors.

Fair use and distribution

This study serves as a resource for the general public on issues of common interest and should not be regarded as investment advice. The data is true to the best of our knowledge but may change if amendments to it are made. We agree to the distribution of this content, but we do require a mention in return for attribution purposes.

Want to explore how this trend has developed over time? Check out our previous reports for data and insights on state to state migration from earlier years:

US Migration Trends: Texas Overtakes Florida, Becomes The Nation’s Top State For Net Migration

The South Soars As A Net Migration Magnet: Florida, Texas & North Carolina Lead The Pack As Top Moving Destinations