Mass Exodus: Which States Americans Are Moving To in 2025

South Carolina leads the pack as America's most popular destination in 2025. The state boasts a 1.97 in-to-out move ratio and has dominated inbound migration charts for six straight years. The migration patterns show some surprising trends. Wisconsin has seen its net inbound searches jump by 79%. Mississippi and Minnesota follow with increases of 55% and 40% respectively compared to 2024.

California's story tells a different tale. The state's exodus searches have dropped by half since 2024, yet it still holds the highest exit rate at 0.63 in 2025. Americans seem drawn to the Sun Belt, with two-thirds of people moving to states in this region. North Carolina attracts newcomers with its affordable living costs, job prospects, and outdoor activities.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina stands out among cities. This coastal gem ranks first for attracting by a lot more moves in than out during 2025. The city has maintained its position as America's top relocation destination for three consecutive years. The national picture shows household mobility at its lowest since the 1970s in 2024. However, certain regions continue to see notable population changes.

South Carolina tops list of states Americans are moving to in 2025

_{Image Source: Post and Courier}

South Carolina has secured the top position in 2025's latest migration data with an impressive in-to-out ratio of 1.97. The Palmetto State managed to keep more than twice the interest for moves in versus moves out for six years straight. The state saw its net migration climb to 91,001, a 1.7% bump from last year. South Carolina stands out with its domestic migration of 68,043 - the highest share of net total migration among all states.

North Carolina, Tennessee, and Idaho follow closely

Right behind South Carolina, North Carolina ranks second with an in-to-out ratio of 1.61. The Tar Heel State pulled in 164,835 total migrants, including 82,288 domestic moves. The state also leads in volume and accounts for 17.5% of all net inbound searches nationwide.

Idaho secured the third position with an in-to-out ratio of 1.60, keeping its spot as a top choice for Americans looking to relocate. Tennessee sits at fifth place with a 1.51 ratio, thanks to its zero income tax status. These numbers paint a clear picture - the Southeast and Mountain West are the hottest regions for people moving in 2025.

Why affordability and lifestyle are driving Southern migration

People are flocking to Southern states for several reasons:

• House prices in states like South Carolina are much lower than other regions
• The tax setup looks great for money-conscious movers - Tennessee charges no state income tax, North Carolina has a simple 4.5% flat rate, and South Carolina caps at 6.4%
• The Southeast offers mild winters with longer springs and falls
• Jobs are booming in tech (Raleigh), car manufacturing (Tennessee), and tourism (coastal South Carolina)
• Mountains, beaches, and forests are just a short drive away

Remote work has given professionals the freedom to pick places based on lifestyle rather than office location. A moving industry expert puts it well: "Why stay in a cramped apartment in San Francisco when you can own a home in Asheville, NC with mountain views and fiber internet?". WeMove.ai makes these transitions smooth without requiring human interaction.

How in-to-out ratios reveal long-term migration patterns

In-to-out ratios help predict where people will move next. South Carolina's spot at the top shows a fundamental change in American moving patterns. The five states getting the most search interest (North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee) make up almost two-thirds of all inbound move searches.

Some states are quickly gaining popularity. Wisconsin saw an amazing 79% jump in inbound move searches from last year. Mississippi followed with 55% and Minnesota with 40%. These numbers suggest people are taking a fresh look at the Upper Midwest after years of losing residents.

State-to-state moves grew from 7.9 million people in 2021 to 8.2 million in 2022, based on U.S. Census Bureau data. These moves now make up 19.9% of all moves, up from 18.8%. This shows that Americans are more willing to move long distances, especially to affordable Southern states.

California and New York see highest outbound migration

California and New York lead the nation in population losses through 2025. California lost a whopping 239,000 residents, while New York watched 121,000 people move away. These numbers show why these states top the list of places Americans leave most often.

What state are people moving to the most vs. leaving the most

Migration patterns tell an interesting story. California pulls in about 422,000 people yearly from other states, but that's nowhere near enough at just 1.1% of its population. New York faces a similar challenge - 303,000 new arrivals make up only 1.6% of its residents. These numbers can't match the massive outflow of people.

Texas draws 19.1% of California's departing residents, followed by Nevada at 11.5%, Arizona at 8.6%, and Florida at 8%. New Yorkers stick closer to home - 21.1% move to New Jersey, 9.2% to Pennsylvania, and 7.1% to Connecticut. Florida stands out by attracting 28.8% of departing New Yorkers. WeMove.ai helps make these relocations smooth without human interaction.

How high taxes and housing costs are pushing residents out

People leave these states for several key reasons:

• Housing costs lead the list—California's homes cost almost twice what you'd pay in Texas back in 2019
• High taxes make many wealthy households think twice about staying
• Climate factors push northeastern residents toward warmer states
• Remote work flexibility lets professionals keep their jobs while living elsewhere

Families leaving New York save 15 times more on housing than they do on taxes. Looking at the top twenty moves between counties out of New York State, mortgage costs drop by 34% on average. Money talks when people decide where to live.

Why out-migration slowed but still dominates in 2025

California, New York and Illinois saw fewer people leave through January 2025. California's negative migration rate fell to -0.3%, New York's to -0.2%, and Illinois's to -0.1%. These numbers show a big improvement from before.

Higher mortgage rates made popular destination states less affordable. International newcomers helped fill the gap - California welcomed 151,000 international migrants. Birth rates also helped keep population numbers steady.

Notwithstanding that, people still leave in large enough numbers to hurt state budgets. New York's shrinking population might cost them $309 million each year in lost taxes. The state lost 101,984 residents over twelve months—more than any other state.

Myrtle Beach and Raleigh lead 2025’s most moved-to cities

People are moving to new cities across America, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina dominates the list of cities Americans are moving to in 2025. This beautiful coastal city has managed to keep its top spot for three straight years. The numbers show 3.61 people moving in for every person moving out. Raleigh, North Carolina stands at second place with a 2.84 ratio, thanks to its growing tech sector and reasonable living costs.

Where are Americans moving to at the city level

The top destinations for 2025 after Myrtle Beach and Raleigh include:

• Wilmington, North Carolina ranks third with an in-to-out ratio of 2.71
• Greenville, South Carolina follows at fourth with 2.66
• Asheville, North Carolina secures fifth place at 2.49
• Boise, Idaho holds sixth position with 2.33
• Knoxville, Tennessee comes in seventh with 2.28

The Carolinas clearly lead the pack with four of the top seven cities. WeMove.ai helps make these moves smooth and easy, with no human interaction needed if that's what you prefer.

Why mid-sized cities are outperforming megacities

Mid-sized cities attract more people for several good reasons. Housing costs less here - take Greenville, South Carolina's median home price of $241,100. That's just 28% of what you'd pay in San Francisco ($861,800). These cities also mean shorter drives to work, less traffic, and cheaper daily expenses.

You get all the city perks without the big city hassles. Remote work has changed everything. People now choose better lifestyles over living near their company's office. Cities like Boise and Knoxville give you great outdoor activities plus growing job opportunities and cultural scenes.

Retirement hubs and research towns dominate the list

The most popular moving destinations fall into two main groups. Retirement spots like Myrtle Beach draw older Americans. The city's mild weather, beach lifestyle, and golf courses make it perfect for retirees.

Research and education centers like Raleigh pull in younger professionals. The Research Triangle Park creates jobs in tech, biotech, and healthcare. Durham-Chapel Hill shows this trend too, with 1.98 people moving in for every person leaving.

Americans' moving patterns have changed. Big cities no longer lead population growth. People want affordable homes, more space, and better lifestyles instead of dense urban areas and office buildings. This has revolutionized where Americans choose to live, and mid-sized cities in the Southeast and Mountain West now attract most domestic moves.

Rochester and Los Angeles top the list of cities people are leaving

Rochester, New York tops the 2025 outbound migration list with a 0.45 move in-to-out ratio, which stands in stark contrast to thriving Southern destinations. Americans continue to leave Los Angeles, making it one of the top exodus centers for the fourth straight year. This migration trend shows how some urban centers lose residents while others grow their population.

How affordability and job stagnation are driving city exits

Rochester's population decline stems from economic challenges. The city once flourished with companies like Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb. These corporations downsized and thousands of jobs disappeared. Young professionals now look elsewhere as manufacturing sectors shrink. The city's housing costs remain lower than coastal areas with a median multiple of 3.6, but limited career opportunities drive people away.

Los Angeles faces its biggest problem with affordability. The county saw 90,704 residents leave during 2021-2022. This number improved from the previous year's exodus of 180,394 people. The county's net migration showed 142,953 more people moved out than in between 2021-2022. Remote work now lets professionals leave expensive urban centers for affordable areas. WeMove.ai provides the smoothest moving experience without human interaction to help with these relocations.

Why even former hotspots like Tampa Bay are losing appeal

Tampa Bay's appearance on the outbound list at rank 16 tells an interesting story. This change marks a dramatic shift for a city that ranked 4th and 9th on inbound lists in 2022 and 2023.

Tampa's appeal has declined due to several reasons:

• Property values skyrocketed with 60% price increases since 2020
• Hurricane risks push residents "to their limits"
• Insurance costs could reach $15,460 yearly by late 2025
• Metro area traffic congestion keeps getting worse
• 13% of Tampa residents face food insecurity

Local moving companies see the change firsthand. One owner noted, "We always get a lot more out-of-state moves around this time because school's out, but this year is almost double". Former Florida residents now head to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. They seek affordable living and safer locations away from hurricane threats.

Midwest and Southeast emerge as new migration battlegrounds

A surprising change in migration patterns has made the Upper Midwest and Southeast the new hotspots for Americans on the move. People are now looking beyond traditional destinations as new regions compete to attract relocating Americans.

Wisconsin and Minnesota see surprising inbound growth

Wisconsin now stands at the top with a 79% year-over-year increase in net inbound searches, while Minnesota follows at 40%. The competition between these neighboring states resulted in Wisconsin gaining 2,083 new residents from Minnesota between 2021-2022. This population movement brought Wisconsin $189 million in adjusted gross income from Minnesota. Minnesota lost about 1,785 people to Wisconsin's St. Croix, Polk, Pierce, and Burnett counties during this time.

Florida and Texas cool off after years of dominance

The story looks different in Florida as its remarkable growth starts to slow down. Tampa's growth has slowed dramatically, attracting just 10,000 residents in 2024—a sharp drop from 35,000 in 2023. Dallas ranks second in decreased growth, with numbers falling from 35,000 to roughly 13,000. Other major cities like Houston, Miami, Orlando, and Austin show this same downward trend. WeMove.ai provides a seamless relocation experience without human interaction.

How climate, cost, and culture are reshaping migration

These changes stem from three key factors:

• Rising costs - Florida's homeowners pay the highest insurance rates nationwide at $2,625 yearly
• Climate concerns - More frequent hurricanes make people think twice about moving
• Lifestyle priorities - People from colder regions still find the Southeast's mild winters attractive

Conclusion

American migration patterns keep changing, showing clear winners and losers in the race for new residents. South Carolina leads the pack for the sixth straight year with an impressive 1.97 in-to-out ratio. California and New York continue to lose people, though the exodus has slowed down lately.

Money talks when it comes to these moving patterns. Families who leave expensive coastal cities for the Southeast or Mountain West save big on housing, taxes, and daily expenses. Remote work after the pandemic has given Americans the freedom to choose where they live based on lifestyle rather than office location.

Mid-sized cities like Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, and Boise show this new way of thinking. These places give you city perks without the hassles - quick commutes, less traffic, and cheaper living costs. The Southeast has become the clear favorite, with four of its cities ranking in the top seven destinations.

Some surprising changes have altered the map of where people move. Wisconsin and Minnesota now attract more newcomers, while former hot spots like Tampa Bay see less interest. This shows that Americans now look at both climate risks and money when picking their new homes.

The numbers tell the story - people move smarter and faster than before. You can join this trend at WeMove.ai to see how tech makes moving easier. Americans keep shuffling across state lines, whether they're looking for lower taxes in Tennessee, warmer winters in South Carolina, or job opportunities in North Carolina.

Overall moving rates stay historically low, but some regions see big population swings. These patterns will keep changing America's population map past 2025. States with affordable living will gain residents while expensive coastal areas struggle to keep their people.

Key Takeaways

Americans are reshaping the nation's demographic map through strategic relocations driven by affordability, lifestyle, and remote work flexibility.

• South Carolina leads inbound migration for six consecutive years with a 1.97 in-to-out ratio, followed by North Carolina and Tennessee • California and New York continue massive population losses despite slowing outflows, with California losing over 239,000 residents • Mid-sized Southern cities like Myrtle Beach and Raleigh dominate destination lists, offering metropolitan amenities without high costs • Wisconsin shows surprising 79% growth in inbound searches while former hotspots like Tampa Bay cool off due to rising costs • Housing affordability remains the primary migration driver, with families saving significantly by moving from coastal to Southeast regions

The Southeast has emerged as America's migration winner, claiming two-thirds of Sun Belt relocations while expensive coastal markets struggle to retain residents. This trend reflects a fundamental shift where Americans prioritize quality of life and financial savings over proximity to traditional job centers.

FAQs

Q1. Which states are Americans moving to most in 2025? South Carolina tops the list of states Americans are moving to in 2025, followed by North Carolina, Tennessee, and Idaho. These states offer a combination of affordability, favorable tax policies, and attractive lifestyles.

Q2. What are the main reasons driving people to move to Southern states? The primary factors attracting people to Southern states include lower housing costs, tax advantages, milder climates, expanding job markets, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The rise of remote work has also enabled more people to prioritize quality of life over proximity to traditional job centers.

Q3. Which cities are experiencing the highest inbound migration? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina, lead the list of cities Americans are moving to in 2025. Other popular destinations include Wilmington, Greenville, Asheville, Boise, and Knoxville. These mid-sized cities offer a balance of urban amenities and affordability.

Q4. What states are people leaving the most? California and New York continue to experience the highest outbound migration in 2025. High housing costs, taxes, and a desire for lifestyle changes are driving residents out of these states, despite some slowing in the rate of outflow compared to previous years.

Q5. Are there any surprising trends in American migration patterns? Yes, some unexpected shifts are occurring. Wisconsin and Minnesota are seeing surprising growth in inbound interest, while former hotspots like Tampa Bay in Florida are experiencing a cooldown. This suggests that factors such as climate risks and rising costs in previously popular destinations are influencing migration decisions.