{"id":18958,"date":"2025-08-05T03:08:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T10:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/?p=18958"},"modified":"2026-04-02T08:21:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T15:21:24","slug":"north-carolina-migration-report-top-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/north-carolina-migration-report-top-destinations\/","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Migration Map: Which Counties Attract Gen Z Renters, Which Draw Boomer Buyers?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>North Carolina continues to shine as one of the top destinations for people relocating across the U.S. In 2023 alone, the state welcomed about 900 new residents every day, while 660 moved away \u2014 leaving a net gain of roughly 240 people daily, or over 87,000 new residents throughout the year, according to our latest migration study based on U.S. Census data.<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"datawrapper-chart-FKF0B\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" title=\"Net Migration Trends in North Carolina, Mapped\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/FKF0B\/2\/\" height=\"468\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" aria-label=\"map\" data-external=\"1\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";r.style.height=d}}})}();<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Zooming in, a few standout counties are driving that growth. Take Pitt County, for example \u2014 it combines affordable housing and a small-town feel with access to larger job markets. It&#8217;s also the top draw for Gen Z movers, who make up the largest share of newcomers there.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, Gen Z leads the pack in 7 of the top 10 fastest-growing counties. Most of these young newcomers are renting.<\/p>\n<p>On the flip side, Brunswick County (Wilmington) is one of the few places attracting a good number of Baby Boomers, and 67% of new arrivals there are homeowners.<\/p>\n<p>Homeownership is especially strong in places like Rockingham and Stokes Counties, where around 74% of newcomers bought a home within their first year \u2014 a rate similar to Davidson and Brunswick Counties, both at 67%. But it\u2019s a different story along the coast: in Pitt County, just 20% of newcomers became homeowners, the lowest share among top counties \u2014 meaning most are choosing to rent for now.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to out-of-state migration, Lenoir, Onslow, and Jones Counties top the list. About 70% of people moving in came from outside North Carolina, unlike most other top counties where newcomers tend to relocate from elsewhere within the state. Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) also stands out, with 63% of new residents coming from beyond state lines \u2013 a sign of its strong pull as a major metro hub.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best-moving-destinations-in-North-Carolina-Gen-Z-leads-growth-in-7-of-the-top-10-net-migration-counties\"><\/span>Best moving destinations in North Carolina: Gen Z leads growth in 7 of the top 10 net migration counties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Migration in North Carolina last year flowed strongest into counties outside the biggest cities, led by places like Pitt, Wake, and Orange. Young Gen Z renters seeking affordable, active lifestyles, millennials putting down roots, and coastal baby boomers all played a role in shaping different local markets.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a full breakdown of <strong>net migration across North Carolina counties<\/strong>, along with supporting data that illustrates the underlying trends:<\/p>\n<p><iframe id=\"datawrapper-chart-ovN1a\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" title=\"North Carolina's Net Migration Hotspots: Which Counties Are Gaining (and Losing) the Most Americans?\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/ovN1a\/2\/\" height=\"811\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" aria-label=\"Table\" data-external=\"1\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">!function(){\"use strict\";window.addEventListener(\"message\",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(\"iframe\");for(var t in a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data[\"datawrapper-height\"][t]+\"px\";r.style.height=d}}})}();<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Below, you&#8217;ll find the top 10 counties posting the strongest net migration gains in North Carolina.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-Pitt-County-NC\"><\/span>1. Pitt County, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 9,220<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 68%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Gen Z<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 20% \/ 54%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pitt County, home to thriving Greenville, takes the lead in net migration, and that isn\u2019t even its only highlight. Crowned both as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldatlas.com\/cities\/the-best-college-town-in-north-carolina.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">NC\u2019s best college town<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/rental-market\/market-snapshots\/trending-gen-z-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">nation\u2019s trendiest city among Gen-Zers,<\/a> Greenville is still pulling in a new crowd. The truth is, many twenty-somethings want what it offers: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pittcountync.gov\/1195\/Affordable-Living\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">low living costs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walkscore.com\/score\/downtown-greenville-sc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">walkability<\/a>, and opportunities to build a social life while laying down roots or <a href=\"https:\/\/livability.com\/nc\/greenville\/love-where-you-live\/young-professional-why-i-love-greenville-nc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">starting a family<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, a median home price still under $200,000 makes a hopeful context for the new residents, given that they claim the lowest median income among NC\u2019s major migration magnets: $28,130 (below the national average, but above the average national income for Gen Zers).<\/p>\n<p>Most of those newcomers don\u2019t come from far away. Georgia tops the list, with a fascinating influx: 51% remote-workers, an average age of 18, and an 88% rentership rate. This data likely mixes digital nomads and young people attending East Carolina University.<\/p>\n<p>A second wave comes from older households in Florida and New Jersey, most of whom are still renting. What unites them is the same pull: lower cost of living and an economic engine that\u2019s still accelerating.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-Wake-County-NC\"><\/span>2. Wake County, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 7,220<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 44%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Gen Z<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 30% \/ 60%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>73,800 move-ins \u2014 the biggest influx, save for Mecklenburg County (Charlotte). Take away the 66,600 residents moving out, and you get NC\u2019s second biggest migrant magnet, with a net gain of over 7,200 residents.<\/p>\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/milkeninstitute.org\/content-hub\/news-releases\/raleigh-nc-and-gainesville-ga-top-milken-institutes-2025-annual-ranking-best-performing-cities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Raleigh emerging as the best performing economy in the nation<\/a>, Wake has experienced one of the state\u2019s biggest population booms from 2018 to 2023 \u2014 10%. This is even as median home prices hover around $420,000. Wake also has the largest share of remote workers among new migrants \u2014 further proof of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mansionglobal.com\/articles\/a-population-boom-a-tech-boomraleigh-north-carolina-shows-no-signs-of-slowing-down-95822c5b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Raleigh\u2019s booming tech scene<\/a>. Here, suburban sprawl continues, as downtown\u2019s price tags keep some at a distance.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18964\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18964\" class=\"size-large wp-image-18964\" src=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Neighborhood-in-Raleigh-North-Carolina.jpg?w=770\" alt=\"Neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina\" width=\"770\" height=\"515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Neighborhood-in-Raleigh-North-Carolina.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Neighborhood-in-Raleigh-North-Carolina.jpg?resize=300,201 300w, https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Neighborhood-in-Raleigh-North-Carolina.jpg?resize=768,514 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18964\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Migration numbers confirm it: over half of Wake&#8217;s influx is from outside of North Carolina \u2014 the only county in the top 10 that can claim this feat. About 4,670 new residents came from New York and 3,670 from Florida, many in their early thirties, most not yet ready to buy. Thousands of newcomers also came from Virginia, California and Georgia.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-Wilson-Greene-Johnston-Counties-NC\"><\/span><strong>3. Wilson, Greene &amp; Johnston Counties, NC<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 6,840<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 71%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Millennial<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 46% \/ 42%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Johnston County has stood out for its raw speed of growth for many years now. People keep moving here, driven largely by affordable homes and the county\u2019s increasing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bizjournals.com\/triangle\/news\/2023\/04\/01\/understanding-the-unprecedented-growth-of-johnston.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">three interstate roads that all lead straight into Raleigh<\/a>. And with the southern loop of NC 540 soon to be completed, Johnston is set to grow further and further.<\/p>\n<p>The county\u2019s millennial-heavy migration pattern shows a larger share of buyers than renters among newcomers, a rarity in this list. New York remains the top origin for out-of-state movers, though work-from-home rates there are low.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-Pender-New-Hanover-Counties-NC\"><\/span>4. Pender &amp; New Hanover Counties, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 6,760<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 52%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Gen Z<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 39% \/ 47%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As <a href=\"https:\/\/carolinapublicpress.org\/70826\/wilmington-population-boom-concerns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Wilmington keeps booming<\/a>, population growth is becoming a topic of debate in both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whqr.org\/local\/2025-01-16\/pender-county-is-growing-by-leaps-and-bounds-how-will-it-manage-that-growth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Pender <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/businessnc.com\/community-close-up-brunswick-new-hanover-pender-counties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New Hanover<\/a>. Young Americans are flocking to these counties to put down roots in the suburbs while enjoying a coastal climate with all the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/where-people-moving-wilmington-why-090717790.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">four seasons<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Arrivals come from every direction, as the county stands out for its high share of newcomers from outside NC: young renters from New York and Virginia, slightly older transplants from Florida and Pennsylvania who are more likely to buy.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-Orange-County-NC\"><\/span>5. Orange County, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 5,790<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 60%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Gen Z<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 30% \/ 44%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to migration, Orange County&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/thelocalreporter.press\/orange-county-has-a-higher-standard-of-living-and-lower-housing-affordability-than-its-nc-peer-counties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">high standard of living<\/a> is enough to make up for its housing costs \u2014 which are steeper than other peer counties in NC. Hillsborough keeps drawing residents who value history as much as modern amenities, and the migration data shows most arrivals still rent first.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to out-of-state migrants, many come from Florida, often working remotely and still choosing to rent rather than buy. Other origin states, with half of Florida&#8217;s output, include Virginia, Texas and Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-Forsyth-County-NC\"><\/span>6. Forsyth County, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 4,970<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 50%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Gen Z<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 39% \/ 45%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Forsyth County, anchored by Winston-Salem, is attracting a steady influx of younger residents drawn to its affordable housing and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitwinstonsalem.com\/media\/story-ideas\/arts-meets-innovation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">artsy energy<\/a>. Median home prices under $230,000 and rents barely topping $1,000 keep Forsyth\u2019s cost of living in reach, even as bigger Sun Belt cities price out would-be buyers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18966\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18966\" class=\"size-large wp-image-18966\" src=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Downtown-Skyline-in-Winston-Salem-North-Carolina.jpg?w=770\" alt=\"Downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina\" width=\"770\" height=\"515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Downtown-Skyline-in-Winston-Salem-North-Carolina.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Downtown-Skyline-in-Winston-Salem-North-Carolina.jpg?resize=300,201 300w, https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Downtown-Skyline-in-Winston-Salem-North-Carolina.jpg?resize=768,514 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18966\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina<\/p><\/div>\n<p>What\u2019s more, half of Forsyth\u2019s influx is from out of state \u2014 many of the new faces come from Florida, Virginia, and Georgia, often older than the local Gen Z surge and more likely to own if they&#8217;re from Florida. Virginia arrivals are younger and mostly renters, while Georgia\u2019s newcomers split almost evenly between renting and buying.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-Boone-High-Country-NC\"><\/span>7. Boone High Country, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 4,870<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 70%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Gen Z<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 26% \/ 33%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Up in the Appalachian Mountains, Boone High Country brings together Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and Watauga Counties. All these counties have the kind of natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make it irresistible to many young professionals. Add in the presence of Appalachian State University, and you\u2019ve got a bevy of new residents coming into Boone, which has admittedly <a href=\"https:\/\/businessnc.com\/boones-thorny-housing-squeeze\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">strained its housing supply<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Among out-of-state newcomers, Floridians dominate once again \u2014 older on average and overwhelmingly homeowners. Aside from Florida, South Carolina is the second largest origin state. In fact, 70% of newcomers are from other counties in North Carolina.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-Guilford-County-NC\"><\/span>8. Guilford County, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 4,850<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 59%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Gen Z<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 23% \/ 49%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With a <a href=\"https:\/\/businessnc.com\/guilford-countys-diverse-economy-paves-way-for-growth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">diverse economy<\/a> in and around the college town of Greensboro, Guilford keeps collecting new residents, but it\u2019s the rental market that feels it first. Median home prices hover under $235,000, still reasonable by national standards, yet ownership among newcomers remains low. Local leaders talk openly of economic reinvention, even considering pledging over $75 million to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bizjournals.com\/triad\/news\/2025\/05\/30\/guilford-76-million-incentive.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">mystery company<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Out-of-state migration data shows Virginia, Florida, and New York leading the charge. Many are in their twenties and thirties, most of whom are still renting, and work-from-home rates stay low compared to coastal counties. The appeal appears rooted in price and location.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9-Davie-Yadkin-Iredell-Counties-NC\"><\/span>9. Davie, Yadkin &amp; Iredell Counties, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 4,750<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 59%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Millennial<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 52% \/ 43%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Here, the new arrivals look different: slightly older, more likely to buy than rent. The region\u2019s economy ranks among the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.daviecountyedc.com\/featured\/davie-county-17th-strongest-economy-in-the-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">best in North Carolina<\/a>, yet it\u2019s the suburban, almost rural feel \u2014 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/North-Carolina-Mocksville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">lower cost of living<\/a> \u2014 that wins over millennials ready to leave dense cities behind.<\/p>\n<p>Over half of newcomers are homeowners, one of the highest shares overall. And many new residents come from New York, older than the average among newcomers, with high rates of remote work. Yet three out of four rent, which perhaps points to a cautious step before buying in a still-evolving housing market.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-Brunswick-County-NC\"><\/span>10. Brunswick County, NC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Net move-ins: 4,730<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>From NC: 54%<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Biggest demographic: Baby Boomer<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Homeowner\/renter ratio among move-ins: 67% \/ 29%<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Life on the coast often attracts baby boomers who seek to make the most of their golden years. And Brunswick knows how to bank on its coastal location, emerging as NC\u2019s only major migration hotspot with a large majority of baby boomers among its new migrants. Plus, nearly seven in ten newcomers choose to buy homes. What\u2019s more, Brunswick also leads major migration hotspots in earnings, with a median income of $57,600.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_18967\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-18967\" class=\"size-large wp-image-18967\" src=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Beach-front-houses-in-Holden-Beach-Brunswick-County-North-Carolina.jpg?w=770\" alt=\"Holden Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina\" width=\"770\" height=\"515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Beach-front-houses-in-Holden-Beach-Brunswick-County-North-Carolina.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Beach-front-houses-in-Holden-Beach-Brunswick-County-North-Carolina.jpg?resize=300,201 300w, https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/07\/Beach-front-houses-in-Holden-Beach-Brunswick-County-North-Carolina.jpg?resize=768,514 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-18967\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Holden Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The largest group of newcomers arrived from New Jersey, which sent 734 migrants with a whopping homeownership rate of 85% and an average age of 56. Other major origin counties are South Carolina, Maryland and New York.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"North-Carolinas-exodus-Counties-with-the-biggest-resident-losses\"><\/span>North Carolina\u2019s exodus: Counties with the biggest resident losses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While many North Carolina counties continue to draw in new residents, some places are seeing movement in the opposite direction. Fayetteville, Asheville, and Winston-Salem all posted significant net migration losses in 2023, signaling local economic pressures and shifting resident priorities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fayetteville-NC-balancing-military-mobility-with-economic-hurdles\"><\/span><strong>Fayetteville, NC: balancing military mobility with economic hurdles<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Fayetteville recorded the largest outflow in the state, with an estimated 4,950 residents moving away. The city\u2019s close ties to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) \u2014 one of the largest military installations in the U.S. \u2014 mean that frequent relocation among service members and their families plays a major role in resident turnover.<\/p>\n<p>But military churn isn\u2019t the only factor. Fayetteville\u2019s 4.7% unemployment rate, one of the highest among major NC metros, may be making it harder to retain long-term residents. Despite that, the city still draws a young population, with Gen Z accounting for 54% of new arrivals. The average age of newcomers is just 27, suggesting that affordability and entry-level opportunities still resonate with younger movers.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Asheville-NC-losing-residents-amid-economic-strain\"><\/span>Asheville, NC: losing residents amid economic strain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In Asheville, rising costs and limited economic opportunity are contributing to a net loss of 2,240 residents. The city\u2019s 4.5% unemployment rate mirrors Fayetteville\u2019s, and while it retains appeal for Millennials and lifestyle-driven movers, that hasn\u2019t been enough to offset the outbound trend. Long known for its arts scene and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville\u2019s high cost of living may be pushing some residents to seek more affordable alternatives elsewhere in the state.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Winston-Salem-NC-flat-growth-drives-outflow\"><\/span>Winston-Salem, NC: flat growth drives outflow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Winston-Salem rounds out the list with a net loss of around 2,040 residents in 2023. Unlike the more cyclical challenges of Fayetteville or the cost pressures of Asheville, Winston-Salem has faced years of modest or flat population growth. Without significant new job creation or large-scale investment, the city appears to be gradually losing ground to faster-growing metros in the Triangle and Charlotte regions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-storage-meets-the-moment-in-North-Carolinas-high-migration-cities\"><\/span>Self storage meets the moment in North Carolina\u2019s high-migration cities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As North Carolina cements its place among the top states for population growth, a less visible \u2014 but increasingly vital \u2014 resource is quietly supporting that surge: self storage. With more people on the move, driven by economic opportunity, lifestyle shifts, and remote work flexibility, demand for temporary and long-term space solutions is growing steadily. Across the state\u2019s urban hubs and regional magnets, storage developers are keeping pace.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/charlotte\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Charlotte<\/a>, North Carolina\u2019s economic powerhouse, also ranks first in total self storage inventory, with nearly 8 million square feet available citywide. That works out to 7.4 square feet per capita, a solid benchmark for a large metro \u2014 and a necessary one, given the city&#8217;s high inbound migration. The average unit rents for $121\/month, offering flexibility to renters and homeowners alike in a fast-paced housing market.<\/p>\n<p>North Carolina\u2019s capital, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nd\/raleigh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Raleigh<\/a>, mirrors its migration magnet status with 4.9 million square feet of inventory and 7.6 square feet per capita \u2014 just enough to keep pace with its fast-growing population. Storage rents hover at $116\/month, aligning closely with its housing trends and the rising demand from remote workers, transplants, and expanding families.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, in the heart of the Piedmont Triad, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/greensboro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greensboro <\/a>combines affordability with capacity. With 11.2 square feet per capita, the city sits near the top in terms of storage availability, while charging just $95\/month \u2014 the lowest rate among North Carolina\u2019s major metros. This affordability mirrors local housing trends, where rents and home prices remain accessible compared to Raleigh or Charlotte.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/durham\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Durham<\/a>, anchored by its booming tech and university ecosystem, maintains a healthy 9.7 square feet per capita and rents averaging $111\/month. With nearly 3.4 million square feet in inventory, the city remains well positioned to support both its newcomer influx and a steady stream of local movers.<\/p>\n<p>See the full breakdown of North Carolina&#8217;s self storage markets in the table below.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tablepress-162-name\" class=\"tablepress-table-name tablepress-table-name-id-162\">Self Storage Costs and Availability Across North Carolina\u2019s Cities<\/h2>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-162\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-162\" aria-labelledby=\"tablepress-162-name\" aria-describedby=\"tablepress-162-description\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">City<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">County<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">2025 Total Self Storage Inventory<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Sq. Ft.\/Capita<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Self Storage Rent ($)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/charlotte\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Charlotte, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mecklenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">7,968,489<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">121<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/raleigh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Raleigh, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">4,907,660<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">116<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/greensboro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greensboro, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Guilford<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3,845,885<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">11.2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/durham\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Durham, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Durham<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3,353,590<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">111<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/fayetteville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fayetteville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cumberland<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3,408,459<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">12.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">106<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/wilmington\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wilmington, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">New Hanover<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3,105,440<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">14.4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">125<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/winston-salem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winston Salem<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Forsyth<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">2,280,247<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8.2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">102<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/concord\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Concord, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cabarrus<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,675,655<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">109<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/asheville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asheville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Buncombe<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,373,041<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8.3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/greenville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greenville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Pitt<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,263,708<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">106<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/cary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cary, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,267,327<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">105<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/mooresville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mooresville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Iredell<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,293,520<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">15.2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">104<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/gastonia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gastonia, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Gaston<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,156,313<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/jacksonville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jacksonville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Onslow<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,198,482<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">154<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/high-point\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">High Point, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Guilford<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1,139,103<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">114<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/goldsboro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Goldsboro, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wayne<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">987,653<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">14.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">133<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/wake-forest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wake Forest, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">932,148<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">131<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-19\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/rocky-mount\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rocky Mount, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nash<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">845,764<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">12.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">111<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-20\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/apex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apex, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">809,835<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">115<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-21\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/hickory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hickory, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Catawba<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">808,734<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8.9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">90<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-22\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/new-bern\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Bern, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Craven<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">793,442<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">14.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">125<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-23\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/burlington\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burlington, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Alamance<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">779,561<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">104<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-24\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/garner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garner, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">715,658<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">129<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-25\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/hendersonville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hendersonville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Henderson<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">712,091<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">128<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-26\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/monroe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monroe, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Union<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">634,247<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-27\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/cornelius\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cornelius, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mecklenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">608,696<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">134<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-28\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/leland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leland, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Brunswick<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">591,348<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">16.3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">140<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-29\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/winterville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winterville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Pitt<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">585,830<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">110<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-30\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/matthews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matthews, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mecklenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">585,518<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">114<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-31\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/wilson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wilson, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wilson<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">556,708<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">86<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-32\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/huntersville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Huntersville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mecklenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">548,404<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">127<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-33\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/sanford\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sanford, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lee<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">517,053<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">12.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">126<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-34\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/fuquay-varina\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fuquay-Varina, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">488,077<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">125<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-35\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/statesville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Statesville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Iredell<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">486,492<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-36\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/indian-trail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian Trail, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Union<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">481,942<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">124<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-37\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/thomasville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thomasville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Davidson<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">477,020<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">89<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-38\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/pineville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pineville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mecklenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">475,101<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">127<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-39\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/newton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Newton, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Catawba<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">438,980<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">11.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">70<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-40\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/kernersville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kernersville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Forsyth<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">437,827<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">128<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-41\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/elizabeth-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elizabeth City, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Pasquotank<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">522,017<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">16.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">144<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-42\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/chapel-hill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chapel Hill, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Orange<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">416,120<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">122<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-43\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/salisbury\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Salisbury, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Rowan<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">411,195<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">121<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-44\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/clayton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clayton, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Johnston<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">391,759<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">141<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-45\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/mebane\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mebane, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Alamance<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">391,531<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">11.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">125<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-46\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/arden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arden, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Buncombe<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">375,912<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">8.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">127<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-47\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/shelby\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shelby, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cleveland<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">367,072<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">111<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-48\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/holly-springs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Holly Springs, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">377,367<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5.4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">122<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-49\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/havelock\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Havelock, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Craven<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">329,462<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">36.9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">98<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-50\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/lenoir\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lenoir, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Caldwell<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">315,622<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">136<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-51\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/boone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Boone, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Watauga<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">309,875<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">123<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-52\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/morrisville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Morrisville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">290,623<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">113<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-53\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/lumberton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lumberton, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Robeson<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">280,817<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">11.2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">117<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-54\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/roanoke-rapids\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Roanoke Rapids, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Halifax<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">267,347<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.4<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">102<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-55\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/spring-lake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spring Lake, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cumberland<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">255,749<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">138<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-56\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/southern-pines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Southern Pines, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Moore<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">238,648<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">165<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-57\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/clemmons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clemmons, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Forsyth<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">236,189<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-58\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/harrisburg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Harrisburg, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cabarrus<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">227,396<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">116<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-59\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/belmont\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Belmont, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Gaston<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">224,910<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">161<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-60\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/knightdale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Knightdale, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">222,050<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">131<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-61\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/morganton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Morganton, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Burke<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">221,404<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">124<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-62\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/reidsville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reidsville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Rockingham<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">217,769<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">105<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-63\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/lincolnton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lincolnton, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lincoln<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">217,504<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">121<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-64\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/asheboro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asheboro, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Randolph<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">213,800<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">4.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">123<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-65\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/smithfield\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Smithfield, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Johnston<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">210,855<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">103<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-66\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/henderson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Henderson, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Vance<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">206,018<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">133<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-67\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/eden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eden, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Rockingham<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">204,809<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">106<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-68\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/graham\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Graham, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Alamance<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">198,862<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">116<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-69\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/wendell\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wendell, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">197,831<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">132<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-70\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/waxhaw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waxhaw, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Union<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">194,941<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">166<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-71\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/hubert\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hubert, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Onslow\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">167,476<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">121<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-72\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/kinston\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kinston, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lenoir<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">166,553<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">129<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-73\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/mint-hill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mint Hill, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mecklenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">163,418<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">133<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-74\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/carrboro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Carrboro, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Orange<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">157,782<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">111<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-75\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/hope-mills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hope Mills, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cumberland<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">131,793<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-76\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/kings-mountain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kings Mountain, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cleveland<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">130,364<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">98<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-77\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/kannapolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kannapolis, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Cabarrus<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">128,981<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1.8<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">84<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-78\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/laurinburg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laurinburg, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Scotland<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">127,027<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">6.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-79\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/candler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Candler, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Buncombe<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">121,829<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">106<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-80\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/waynesville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waynesville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Haywood<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">116,080<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">121<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-81\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/mount-holly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mount Holly, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Gaston<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">110,327<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">105<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-82\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/archdale\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Archdale, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Randolph<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">74,448<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">62<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-83\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/albemarle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Albemarle, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Stanly<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">110,234<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">7.3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">87<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-84\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/davidson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Davidson, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Mecklenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">65,284<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.1<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">161<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-85\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/rolesville\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rolesville, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Wake<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">134,223<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">189<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-86\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/lexington\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lexington, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Davidson<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">56,890<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">2.7<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">118<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-87\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/elon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elon, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Alamance<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">40,975<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1.0<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">91<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-88\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/self-storage\/us\/nc\/pinehurst\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinehurst, NC<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Moore<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">25,792<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3.2<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">116<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<span id=\"tablepress-162-description\" class=\"tablepress-table-description tablepress-table-description-id-162\">StorageCafe analysis of data from Yardi Matrix. (Data as of Oct 2025 | Pub: Nov 2025). <\/span>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Migration trends have become a real-time snapshot of North Carolina\u2019s economic evolution. Gen Z renters, millennial buyers, and retiring baby boomers are steering growth toward counties like Pitt, Wake, and Orange. At the same time, Fayetteville, Asheville, and Winston-Salem watch more residents leave than arrive \u2014 reminders that growth across the state remains uneven. Together, these moves are quietly changing local housing markets, downtown skylines, and the state\u2019s long-term identity.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Methodology\"><\/span>Methodology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This analysis was conducted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">StorageCafe<\/a>, an online platform that offers nationwide storage unit listings.<\/p>\n<p>In this report, we ranked all North Carolina counties based on net migration figures, calculated by subtracting the number of departures from the total number of move-ins for each location.<\/p>\n<p>The migration data, along with information on income levels, homeownership rates, employment status, educational attainment and other demographic details of movers across the country were sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey PUMS 5-year, 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Median home prices were derived from 2023 owner-occupied housing unit values reported by the U.S. Census. Rental data was also obtained from the 2023 U.S. Census American Community Survey.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fair-use-and-distribution\"><\/span>Fair use and distribution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>North Carolina continues to shine as one of the top destinations for people relocating across the U.S. In 2023 alone, the state welcomed about 900 new residents every day, while 660 moved away \u2014 leaving a net gain of roughly 240 people daily, or over 87,000 new residents throughout the year, according to our latest migration study based on U.S. Census data.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3586,"featured_media":18963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-migration-trends","category-research-reports"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - 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