2026 Millennial Migration: Where the Largest Generation Is Headed Now
Millennials are no longer the "young movers" of the U.S. housing market. Instead, they are now the country's primary economic drivers, shaping housing demand, labor markets, and population growth across the country.
Using PGM's proprietary database of nearly 15 million nationwide adult moves between January and December 2025, we analyzed where Americans born between 1981 and 1996 relocated, how far they moved, and what types of homes they purchased.
The result is a clear picture of modern millennial migration, one driven by affordability pressures, shifting job markets, and a growing tendency to skip the traditional starter home altogether.
Key Takeaways
- Texas gained more than 16,500 millennials in 2025 — that's double the amount of any other state.
- Colorado saw nearly 5 times more millennial migration than overall population growth, showing younger adults are driving the state's expansion.
- California lost over 17,000 millennials last year — the largest net generational outflow in the country and 5th per capita.
- Idaho leads the nation in millennial migration per capita, gaining 90 millennials for every 10,000 residents.
- Millennials are skipping starter homes, with the largest share buying mid-market homes priced between $126k–$300k with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Lauren Thomas
Lauren Thomas is the PR and Brand Marketing Manager at HireAHelper, where she leads all things brand, storytelling, and data journalism. With 9 years of experience across marketing copywriting, digital PR, and content marketing, she's built a career out of turning data and ideas into narratives people actually want to read.
She draws from years of experience in personal finance, insurance, and home services to help readers make smarter, more confident decisions about life's biggest expenses — moving included.
Where Millennials Make Up the Largest Share of Migration
To understand where millennials are driving population change, we compared the share of moves done by millennials into each state vs. the total amount of moves. In some places, millennials account for over a third of all migration activity.
Washington, D.C., had the nation's highest millennial share of inbound moves in 2025, at 34.2% of all arrivals. Colorado follows closely behind at 32.7%, reinforcing the state's continued appeal to younger professionals drawn to its job market and outdoor lifestyle.
Several Western states also rank near the top. Washington (31.2%), Utah (30.3%), and Oregon (29.7%) all see millennials making up roughly one-third of moves, highlighting the generation's strong presence across the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest.
At the same time, major economic hubs along the East Coast continue attracting large shares of millennial moves. Virginia (29.5%) ranks sixth nationally, followed by Texas (29.4%), which leads the country in net millennial migration. North Carolina (28.4%) and Georgia (27.4%) round out the top ten, underscoring the growing influence millennials have on population growth across the Southeast.
States With the Highest Net Gain vs Net Loss of Millennials
Looking at total migration numbers, several states stand out as clear destinations for millennials in 2025 in terms of sheer volume.
Top States for Net Gain
Because these rankings reflect raw totals rather than population-adjusted figures, larger states tend to dominate the list simply due to their size. Even so, these figures still highlight where the largest number of millennials are relocating and where population shifts are more visible in absolute terms.
Texas ranks first nationally, welcoming 16,530 more millennials than it lost, which is more than double the next closest state. The state's strong job market, relatively affordable housing compared to coastal markets, and large metro areas continue to draw younger professionals and families.
North Carolina ranks second with 7,104 net millennial movers, followed by South Carolina (4,079) and Tennessee (3,944). These states have become consistent millennial magnets in recent years, fueled by population growth in cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, Charleston, and Nashville.
Minnesota rounds out the top five, gaining 2,932 millennials, suggesting that migration isn't limited to the Sun Belt. Strong job markets and mid-sized metro affordability may be helping Midwestern hubs retain and attract younger residents.
Top States for Net Loss
On the other end of the spectrum, several large coastal states saw the biggest millennial losses. California experienced the largest net decline by a wide margin, losing 17,218 millennials in 2025. New York follows with a loss of 10,505, while Massachusetts (3,936), Maryland (3,779), and Pennsylvania (3,676) round out the top five states seeing the largest millennial outflows.
The divide reflects a growing geographic shift: millennials continue to leave high-cost coastal states while fueling population growth across the South and select Midwestern regions.
States With the Highest Millennial Migration Per Capita
Raw migration totals tend to favor large states with bigger populations, but per capita migration tells a different story — revealing where millennials are having the greatest demographic impact relative to the size of the population.
States Gaining the Most Millennials Per Capita
When adjusting for population size, smaller and mid-sized states dominate the rankings. Idaho leads the nation by a wide margin, gaining 90 millennials per 10,000 residents in 2025 — the highest rate of millennial migration in the country.
South Carolina ranks second, gaining 78.3 millennials per 10,000 residents, followed by North Carolina (67.1), Arkansas (62.2), and Tennessee (56.5). Across these states, strong job growth, lower housing costs, and expanding metros have helped draw younger residents from more expensive parts of the country. Because of the outsized effect population changes have on these mid-sized cities, this influx of millennials means they are reshaping the local population dynamics, influencing housing markets, and changing workforce demographics.
Several larger states also appear in the top ten. Texas, Alabama, Minnesota, Colorado, and Montana all rank among the states seeing the strongest millennial population growth relative to their size, reinforcing a broader trend of millennials fueling population growth across the South and Mountain West.
States Losing the Most Millennials Per Capita
On the other end of the spectrum, several states are experiencing the opposite trend, with millennials leaving at some of the highest rates relative to population size.
Washington, D.C. experienced the most dramatic millennial losses in the country, losing 205 millennials per 10,000 residents in 2025 — far more than any state-level decline. The loss suggests that younger residents may be seeking more affordable housing, relocating to regions with lower costs of living, or simply moving away from the nation's capital, as the political job market lends itself to more migration churn.
Maryland ranks second for millennial losses per capita (61.2), followed by Massachusetts (56.3), New York (53.1), and California (43.9). Many of these areas are among the most expensive housing markets in the country, which may be pushing younger households to relocate to more affordable regions.
Together, these per capita shifts reveal a growing geographic divide. While large coastal economic centers continue to attract talent, smaller and more affordable states are increasingly capturing the largest share of millennial population growth.
Where The Top States Per Capita Are Drawing Millennials From
The states experiencing the fastest millennial growth per capita are drawing movers from a mix of neighboring states and high-cost coastal markets. Looking at the destination states — Idaho, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Tennessee — reveals several clear migration pipelines across the country.
- Idaho's millennial growth is largely driven by West Coast migration. California sends the most moves to the state (1,113), followed by Washington (970), Oregon (448), Utah (440), and Michigan (379).
- South Carolina attracts a mix of regional and long-distance movers. North Carolina leads as the top origin state (2,627), followed by Florida (1,395), Georgia (1,144), New York (837), and California (831).
- North Carolina is seeing strong inbound migration from both the Southeast and coastal states. Florida sends the most millennials to the state (3,676), followed by California (3,032), Virginia (2,471), South Carolina (2,400), and New York (1,849).
- Arkansas draws most of its millennial movers from nearby regions. Texas ranks first (1,030), followed by California (558), Missouri (463), Kentucky (394), and Florida (372).
- Tennessee's migration pipeline spans multiple regions of the country. Florida sends the largest number of movers (2,094), followed by California (1,489), Pennsylvania (1,454), Texas (1,147), and Georgia (1,134).
Across all five states, California appears repeatedly as one of the top origin states, reinforcing the broader trend of millennials leaving high-cost coastal markets for more affordable regions.
Where Millennials of Different Income Levels Are Moving
Millennial migration patterns vary widely depending on income level. To better understand these differences, we grouped millennial households into three income brackets:
- High income: $201,000 or more annually
- Middle income: $51,000 to $200,000 annually
- Low income: Less than $50,000 annually
These brackets help illustrate how affordability, career opportunities, and housing markets influence where millennials choose to move.
Higher-Income Millennials Cluster in Economic Hubs
Among high-income millennials, migration patterns are the most geographically concentrated. Many of the top states for higher-earning moves are located in the Northeast and along major economic corridors.
Connecticut leads the nation, where 11.3% of millennial moves fall into the high-income bracket, followed by New Jersey (8.1%) and Massachusetts (6.7%). Maryland (5.9%) and New York (5.8%) round out the top five.
Additional Northeastern states, including New Hampshire, Delaware, and Vermont, also appear among the top ten alongside larger economic centers such as Virginia and California.
These patterns suggest that while many millennials are leaving expensive coastal states overall, higher-income households continue to concentrate in regions with dense job markets, major financial centers, and established professional networks.
Middle-Income Millennials Follow Job Growth
Migration patterns shift noticeably among middle-income millennials, who tend to concentrate in states with strong job markets and expanding metro economies.
Maryland ranks first, where 65.5% of millennial moves fall into the middle-income bracket, followed closely by Virginia (65.2%) and New Jersey (64.3%). Western growth states also appear prominently, including Colorado (64.1%), Nevada (63.8%), and Utah (63.7%).
Several additional states appear among the top destinations for middle-income millennials, including South Carolina, Illinois, Washington, and Massachusetts. Many of these states feature fast-growing metropolitan areas where employment opportunities and housing markets remain attractive to mid-career professionals.
Lower-Income Millennials Are Moving to More Affordable States
Among lower-income millennials, several Midwestern and Southern states appear most frequently in the rankings. Kentucky leads the list, where 38.2% of millennial moves fall into the low-income category, followed by Missouri (34.2%), Louisiana (34.0%), New Mexico (33.7%), and Indiana (33.7%).
Several additional states round out the top ten, including Michigan, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Ohio, where roughly one-third of millennial moves fall into the lower-income bracket.
Across these states, relatively lower housing costs and lower costs of living may make homeownership more attainable for younger households compared to high-cost coastal markets.
The Metro Areas Attracting the Most Millennials
While state-level trends reveal where millennials are moving broadly, metro-level data shows which specific cities are attracting the fastest growth among young adults.
Across the country, mid-sized metro areas are emerging as some of the fastest-growing destinations for millennials. These cities often combine strong job markets, lifestyle amenities, and housing costs that remain more attainable than major coastal metros.
Clarksville, TN-KY, ranks first nationally for millennial growth per capita, gaining 54.9 millennials per 10,000 residents in 2025. Colorado Springs, CO, ranks second with 53.4 millennials per 10,000 residents, followed by Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, FL, in third place.
Several additional metros across the South and Mountain West dominate the top of the rankings, reinforcing a broader shift toward growing regional hubs and mid-sized cities.
Tennessee: A Fast-Growing Millennial Destination
Tennessee stands out as one of the strongest states for millennial growth at the metro level. Clarksville, TN-KY, ranks #1 nationally for millennial migration per capita, benefiting from its proximity to Nashville and the large Fort Campbell military installation.
The broader Nashville metro area also continues to attract millennials, ranking #19 nationally for millennial migration. The region's strong job market, expanding tech and healthcare sectors, and vibrant cultural scene have made it one of the fastest-growing metros in the country.
Other Tennessee metros also appear in the rankings, including Knoxville (#44) and Chattanooga (#49), highlighting the state's broad appeal to younger professionals and families looking for affordability compared to larger coastal cities.
Together, these metros underscore Tennessee's growing reputation as a millennial migration hub in the Southeast.
Colorado: Outdoor Lifestyle and Economic Opportunity
Colorado continues to attract large numbers of millennials, with several metros appearing near the top of the national rankings.
Colorado Springs ranks #2 nationally for millennial growth per capita, offering access to outdoor recreation, a strong military presence, and housing prices that remain lower than nearby Denver.
Other Colorado metros also rank prominently, including Fort Collins–Loveland (#6) and Boulder (#9). The Denver–Aurora–Centennial metro area also appears in the rankings at #11, reinforcing the state's broad appeal across multiple urban centers.
These metros combine strong job markets, proximity to outdoor recreation, and a high quality of life — factors that continue to draw younger residents to the Mountain West.
The Carolinas: Millennial Growth Across Multiple Cities
Both North Carolina and South Carolina are seeing widespread millennial growth across several metro areas.
Raleigh–Cary ranks #7 nationally, highlighting the continued expansion of North Carolina's Research Triangle region. The area's strong technology sector, universities, and expanding job opportunities have helped attract young professionals from across the country.
Several other North Carolina metros also appear in the top rankings, including Fayetteville (#5), Wilmington (#14), Durham–Chapel Hill (#20), Asheville (#40), and Winston-Salem (#100).
South Carolina also features prominently, with Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach ranking #8 and Charleston–North Charleston ranking #10 nationally. Additional metros such as Greenville (#32), Spartanburg (#43), and Columbia (#56) further demonstrate the region's growing appeal.
Together, the Carolinas illustrate how millennial migration is spreading beyond major urban centers and into a network of fast-growing Southern metros.
What Kinds of Housing Attracted Millennials in 2025
Millennials are now firmly in their prime homebuying years, and their purchasing patterns reflect a shift toward long-term housing needs rather than traditional entry-level starter homes. In fact, those starter homes priced at $125,000 or less account for just 9.8% of purchases, reflecting both rising home prices and the limited availability of entry-level homes across many parts of the country. The other bands of millennial home buying can be grouped into two categories: mid-tier and premium.
Millennial Mid-Tier Homebuying Trends
Looking at home prices by market tier, the largest share of millennial buyers purchased mid-tier homes priced between $126,000 and $300,000, which account for 34.1% of all purchases by millennials. These homes often represent a balance between affordability and space, particularly in mid-sized metros and lower-cost housing markets.
Close behind are move-up homes priced between $301,000 and $500,000, which make up 30.8% of millennials' purchases. Together, these two tiers represent nearly two-thirds of all millennial home purchases, suggesting that many movers are entering the market at mid-tier price points rather than starting at the lowest end.
Millennial Premium and Luxury Homebuying Trends
At the higher end of the market, premium homes priced between $501,000 and $1 million make up 21.5% of millennial purchases, indicating that a sizable share of buyers are stretching into more expensive housing as they move deeper into their prime earning years.
Meanwhile, luxury homes priced above $1 million account for 3.7% of purchases, showing that while high-end buying remains a small share of the market, some millennials are already entering the luxury housing segment.
Taken together, these patterns suggest millennials are increasingly buying homes that can be lived in for longer, or even for life, rather than temporary starter properties, with most purchases concentrated in the middle of the housing market.
Millennials Are Buying Family-Sized Homes
Home size data further highlights the generation's life stage. Three-bedroom homes dominate millennial purchases, accounting for 47.3% of homes bought — nearly half of all purchases.
Four-bedroom homes rank second at 27.7%, meaning that roughly three out of every four millennial buyers are purchasing homes with at least three bedrooms.
Smaller homes are far less common among millennial buyers. Two-bedroom homes account for just 13.9% of purchases, while one-bedroom homes make up only 2.1%, reinforcing the idea that many millennials are purchasing homes designed for families rather than temporary living situations.
More Bathrooms Reflect Long-Term Living Needs
Bathroom counts tell a similar story. The majority of millennial buyers are opting for homes with multiple bathrooms.
Homes with two to three bathrooms account for the majority of purchases at 53.0%, followed by three to four bathrooms at 19.4%. Meanwhile, homes with only one bathroom represent just over 21% of purchases, suggesting that many buyers are looking for additional space and convenience.
Together, these patterns suggest millennials are prioritizing homes that accommodate families, remote work, and long-term stability, even as housing affordability continues to shape where those purchases take place. For many millennial buyers, the "starter home" phase appears to be shrinking, with millennials increasingly jumping directly into larger homes designed for the next stage of life.
The Millennial Reshaping of America's Map
In 2025, the country's largest living generation continued shifting away from high-cost coastal states and toward the South, Mountain West, and fast-growing mid-sized metros. These moves are accelerating population growth in regions that offer a mix of affordability, job opportunities, and lifestyle appeal.
At the same time, millennial migration is becoming increasingly segmented by income. Lower-income households are prioritizing affordability, middle-income earners are following expanding job markets, and higher-income professionals remain concentrated in established economic hubs.
As millennials move deeper into their prime earning and home-buying years, their decisions are influencing where companies expand, where infrastructure is built, and where future economic growth will occur.
Daniel Cobb, Senior Editor and Lead Researcher, says, "Millennials are entering a stage of life where stability matters more than ever. Many are starting families, advancing in their careers, and looking for places that offer strong job markets, good quality of life, and housing they can grow into. Those priorities are driving many of today's migration patterns."
Methodology
To examine U.S. migration patterns, we analyzed PGM's proprietary database of 14,977,223 national moves recorded between January 2025 and December 2025. Each move in this dataset represents an actual relocation, providing a uniquely current perspective on the mobility trends of adults born between 1981 and 1996 during the 2025 calendar year. Housing and demographic attributes were aggregated and anonymized to ensure privacy and statistical accuracy.
Our analysis focused on:
- Origins and destinations of adult moves,
- Intrastate versus interstate flows, and
- Demographic characteristics of people who are moving.
Unlike many studies that rely on outdated U.S. Census Bureau releases or modeled estimates from relocation calculators, this dataset reflects real moves as they occurred. As such, it represents one of the most up-to-date and reliable sources of migration data available in the United States in 2025.
For more information or questions about our data, please email [email protected]
In Partnership With PGM
This migration report used in-depth consumer insights from data provider PGM, part of the Porch Group of companies. PGM's robust audience data helps businesses reach customers strategically.
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Hundreds of thousands of Americans who retire each year are faced with a choice: stay put and continue living where they are, or take a leap and move somewhere they maybe always wanted to live.
It turns out that an increasing number of retirees in the United States choose the latter. In this piece, we examine how many Americans leave their homes to retire elsewhere, what states and cities they choose for their retirement, and just how likely they are to retire away from home than 20 years ago.
2020 Study: Where Are Americans From, State by State, City by City?
Americans move around a lot. Less than in years and decades, as we’ve noted in our studies, but millions of Americans move every year.
Whether it’s chasing dreams in New York City or LA, chasing the sun in Phoenix or Miami, or craving a change of pace in Seattle or Austin - many of us end up living in places far from places where we were born. In this post, we look at the U.S. states and cities to see where their residents are from. Which cities have the most diverse populations? Which states the most residents from neighboring states, and which are top destinations for expats from overseas? Read on below to find out.
2020 Study: Where Do Americans Who Leave the USA Go?
Around 10 million Americans live outside the U.S., with hundreds of thousands leaving each year for reasons ranging from career and education to love, lower costs, better climate, or simply a fresh start. But where are they going? Below are the key trends and top destinations — backed by research and statistics.
The Best Small Towns for Working Remotely in the US in 2020
As more and more people choose (or are forced) to work remotely, many are realizing they don’t necessarily have to live in the big cities where their employers tend to be based. In fact, they can move to save money. If you can work and be productive remotely, why endure a concrete jungle with barely affordable rent, high cost of living, and a crowded commute? Working from home is in.
To help all the remote workers out there, HireAHelper created an algorithm that ranks a town's internet accessibility, cost of living, and much more in order to figure out where the best places to work remotely in 2020 are.
Study: What The Great Recession Tells Us About COVID-19's Potential Impact on the Moving Industry
There’s an overwhelming uncertainty about the effect the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the US economy. This uncertainty is echoed in the moving industry, where according to our recent survey, over 80% of moving companies are worried about the future of their businesses (see Are Moving Companies Open? for updates on who's still offering moving services).
We looked at how the moving industry fared through the most recent economic crisis in the US: the Great Recession of 2008-2009, and combined that data with the most recent projections of unemployment and economic downturn to estimate the impact COVID-19 might have on the future of the moving industry.
2019 Study: Compared to Boomers, Millennials’ Rent Is More Affordable — But They Can’t Afford Homes
Do millennials have it worse than past generations?
The popular narrative seems to suggest they do. Millennials have faced higher unemployment rates and higher student debt than past generations of young adults, according to a Pew Research Center report.
We compared these generations, following Pew’s definition of each, by looking at incomes and housing costs during the years their cohorts were entering independent adulthood and becoming financially established, 20 years after their birth years:
- Baby Boomers, born 1946 to 1964
- Generation X, born 1965 to 1980
- Millennials, born 1981 to 1996
Here’s what we found, and how it impacts millennials’ moving plans and habits.
2019 Survey on Dating and Distance: How Far Are People Willing to Look for Love?
Online dating fundamentally changed how we connect with others, and even how we date and fall in love. From Tinder to Bumble, Hinge, and even FarmersOnly.com, it’s easier than ever to find a match almost anywhere in the world.
Yet, while you can connect with someone on the other side of the globe, most people say they are still looking for romance close to home. In our recent survey, HireAHelper uncovers exactly what distances people are (or aren’t) willing to go to find love.
2019 Survey: Moving for Love Is Likely to Pay Off
Most people make a move hoping for a positive outcome, maybe a shorter commute, more living space— or in the case of people moving for love, establishing a successful romance.
About one in four adults have moved for love at some point in their lives, finds our latest survey. But weighing whether one should move to be closer to a significant other can be tricky, compared to deciding to relocate for plenty of other reasons.
A new HireAHelper survey about moving for love finds that relocating for a romantic relationship actually pays off.
2019 Study: Moving Interstate Could Save (or Add) Up to $7,700 On Your State Tax Bill
Totaling up moving costs when you’re moving out of state can leave you with sticker shock.
With a typical interstate move costing about five times more than a local move, you might be wondering if it will pay off.
One way to gauge the payoff of moving out of state is looking at how well it will set you up for financial success. A big part of that calculus is how much moving between states could lower (or increase!) your tax bill.
HireAHelper’s latest study compares taxes on income, sales, and property in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We found that moving between states can have a big impact on your tax bill. If you were to move from the state with the least taxes to the most, for example, you’d owe around $7,760 more in taxes each year!
SURVEY: How Has the Coronavirus Impacted Moving Companies?
There is nothing that is not being disrupted in some way, shape, or form in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic spreading across North America.
Among those disruptions, one of the most curious dynamics to keep an eye on is the obligation Americans still have for relocating... along with their willingness to hire people to move them.
Remote Work Index: Which U.S. States and Cities Are the Best for Remote Work?
Back in 2020, HireAHelper looked at the best small towns for working remotely in the U.S., but this came at a time when workers were encouraged to work from home. Now, over four years later, things have changed.
While many people have returned to work in the office, and there’s an increase in RTO mandates from companies, there is still plenty of interest in remote working and its benefits. Some large companies continue to offer remote work to their employees, such as NVIDIA, and a recent study by the freelancer platform Upwork found that over a fifth of the American workforce (22%) is likely to be remote by 2025.
But along with the freedom of remote work comes the question: where’s the best place to WFH?
Cats vs. Dogs: Which U.S. States and Cities Are the Most Pet-Friendly?
HireAHelper loves pets, so we had our data experts analyze real estate listings to uncover the most pet-friendly cities and states around the country. Read on to find out which states and cities are the most welcoming for pets.
Millions Moved During Covid, Here’s How That’s Working Out
While lockdowns kept us in one place during the COVID pandemic, many Americans still moved during this global crisis—many, because of it. Looking back over the span of the pandemic thus far, how have so-called "pandemic moves" worked out for those who made them? To find out, HireAHelper spoke to people who moved during the pandemic to get a closer look at the unique obstacles and opportunities that drove their decisions to move.
The New Retirement Map: Where Retirement-Age Americans Moved in 2025 and Why
Retirement in America is being redefined. It’s no longer just about snowbirds and waterfront communities. Today’s retirees are more mobile, more selective, and more strategic about where and how they live than ever before. Using PGM's proprietary database of almost 15 million nationwide adult moves in the last 12 months, we analyzed where Americans aged 65 and older relocated, how far they moved, and what kinds of homes they chose. The result is a clear picture of modern retirement migration, one driven by affordability, comfort, and long-term livability.
2023 Study: Moving Scams Up 12% Over Last Year
Moving scams may have dipped in 2022, following their peak during the COVID-19 pandemic years. But according to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, they are on track to increase 35% year-over-year.
In response to this trend, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched an operation called Protect Your Move in April of this year. This is timely, as our data indicates almost half (45%) of all the moves in any given year take place from May through August. As we're currently within the period that we in the business call "the moving season," let’s look at the latest trends in moving scams, review which scams are the most common in 2023, and where these scams are most likely to happen to you.
2023 Study: Insights Into the 26% of Americans in the Sandwich Generation
Meet the Sandwich Generation — adults who are “sandwiched” between their aging parents and their children by having to financially support and/or care for both.
Why do so many Americans find themselves in this living arrangement? It’s a mixture of both demographic and socio-economic factors. For this study, we surveyed 1,000 members of the Sandwich Generation to find out more about their family situation, the challenges they face, and their feelings about it. We also combined our findings with the U.S. Census Bureau data to estimate the number of people in the Sandwich Generation and how they’re spread across the United States.
2023 Study: Which College Towns Have the Best Real Estate Investment Potential
As a new crop of college students start class this September, the cost of attending college has never been higher. At four-year colleges, room and board alone costs around $12,000 to $13,000 per year.
That cost is pushing some parents towards buying a home close to their child’s college campus — even if the school might be far away. Renting in college towns remains expensive, but buying a home and renting out part of it could help cover mortgage repayments and so long as prices keep appreciating, it can be a good investment. In this study, we rank over 500 college towns on their real estate investment potential based on current home prices, historical and projected growth, housing availability, and potential rental income. Read on to see which college towns score the highest, and where you might want to consider making your new home.
2023 Study: 3 US Towns Have Dropped to 0 Citizens Since 2010, Which Ghost Town Is Next?
Are there places where people once lived, but today lack any citizens? In fact, three places in America have become ghost towns since 2010, and another 39 saw their population dip to below 10 people, according to the latest population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau.
These aren’t just outliers, but the mark of a trend. In America, as of 2010, 61% of towns with fewer than 10,000 residents have had a population decline. (Meanwhile, 82% of cities with at least 100,000 residents had increased their population during that same time period.) We are taking a closer look at America’s smallest cities, towns and communities to see what may have contributed to their decline, as well as highlight the fastest-emptying towns for every state.
2023 Study: Where and How To Earn the Most Money From a Moving Labor Side Hustle
When we released our last study of starting a moving labor company as a side hustle, it was a great time to get into the business. Home sales were at an all-time high, and the number of Americans who moved that year inched up for the first time in a decade.
However, after only one year, the housing market has cooled off. And even though sales of newly built homes are still up 6%, home sales as a whole aren’t as high as last year.
The cost of moving has also grown 4% in 2023 (ahead of inflation rates), and this is actually good news! It means movers’ earnings have most likely also increased. So if you're interested in adding a side hustle to your income, starting a moving labor company is well worth considering.
2023 Study: Where Americans Are Moving Abroad Post-Pandemic
When we last covered the topic of Americans moving abroad in late 2022, the interest in leaving the country was the highest it’s been since the Presidential Elections in 2016.
This year, despite a 30% reduction in moving-abroad-related Google searches, American moves outside of the country don’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, more Americans moved to the UK, Mexico, and Canada so far in 2023 than at this time last year.
In this year’s study, we chart the updated numbers of Americans moving abroad, look at top destinations overall, and highlight the fastest-growing areas in recent years.
2022 Study: Are Americans Giving Up on Moving for Love?
When the late, great Meatloaf sang about doing anything for love — except that — maybe he was referring to moving.
About one in four adults have moved for love at some point in their lives, according to a 2019 HireAHelper survey. But it appears that far fewer people are doing so today. In 2020, approximately 1,527,685 people moved for romantic reasons. By 2021, that number dropped to 1,067,234, representing a 30% drop.
It may be that pandemic-era flings are losing their luster, or most everyone interested in shacking up already has. But which generation is most likely to relocate for love? And where are they going?
2023 Study: The Year Gen Z Adults Moved More Than Any Other Generation
Generation Z — or Zoomers, as they're sometimes called — have been the subject of many headlines lately. As they come of age, their differences from other generations in terms of workplace habits, home ownership ambitions, political views, and the use of technology are increasingly well-documented.
But what about moving? We know that Gen Z, like the generation before them, is burdened with less favorable economic outlooks, including poor housing affordability, high rent, and student debt. Presumably, in light of these factors, some surveys find a record number of young adults are staying put and living with their parents.
2024 Study: A Look at the Biggest Wave of Retiree Moves in Three Years
The year 2023 was a big year for retirement moves!
According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, retirement moves reached a three-year high! With housing markets cooling off, inflation slowing down, and social security benefits increasing, it's no surprise that 44% more Americans moved in retirement compared to in 2022. How else have these developments affected moving after retirement in 2023? Where did retirees relocate to, and which places did they leave behind? In this latest edition of our annual retirement moves study, we look at trends that shaped moving in retirement in 2023, highlight top origins and destinations, and zoom in on the changing demographics of retirees on the move.
2024 Study: Half As Many Millennials Move as a Decade Ago. Where Are They Going?
Millennials (born 1982–2000) are entering middle age facing unexpected financial strain. Despite being top earners, they carry the second-highest level of household debt. While over half finally own homes, 16% still live with their parents.
Economic challenges peaked recently with historic mortgage rates and the worst home sales market in 28 years. Consequently, millennial mobility has plummeted; the number of moving last year was half of what it was a decade ago. To understand these shifting living situations, this study analyzes US millennial migration trends, highlighting the specific cities and states seeing the highest influx and exodus of this generation.
2024 Study: Who's Moving to Florida and Why?
In a 1991 Seinfeld episode, Jerry joked that moving to Florida at age sixty was "the law." While reflecting a long history of attracting retirees, viewing Florida solely through this lens is reductive. During the 1990s, 4.3 million Americans relocated there, making it the top destination for nine out of ten years.
Today, employment dominates migration; "new job or transfer" drove over 54% of moves to Florida in 2023. Using Census and HireAHelper data, this study analyzes current trends shaping Florida migration, tracking resident demographics, regional shifts, and the evolving reasons driving people to move to or from the state.
2024 Study: ‘Brain Drain’? The States With the Largest Net Gains and Losses of College-Educated Americans
A 2019 U.S. Congress report defined "brain drain" as highly educated adults aged 31 to 40 leaving their birth states, finding that the Southeast and Rust Belt were losing talent to the West Coast. However, a recent New York Times analysis revealed a reversal: skyrocketing costs of living are driving college-educated Americans away from coastal hubs like San Francisco and New York toward states like Georgia and North Carolina.
Are educated professionals favoring coastal opportunities or fleeing them for affordability? This 2024 report analyzes these conflicting trends to identify which U.S. cities and states are truly winning and losing the nation's top talent.
HireAHelper’s 2024 Moving Survey: 30% of Americans Plan on Moving This Year
It’s officially moving season, AKA the four months of May through August when the majority of moves in the United States take place every year.
HireAHelper's yearly Moving Season Survey asked over 2,000 Americans what their moving plans are for 2024. What did they say? Where are people going? And why? We looked at how many Americans plan on moving this year, what was behind their decision to move or stay put, and how this year’s trends and developments might affect moving patterns in America this year.
2024 Study: Moving Costs Set To Reach a Five-Year High
In last year's Moving Cost Survey, we found that more than half (52%) of our respondents had no plans to move in 2024, stating they couldn’t afford it. Unfortunately, the economy has likely done little to help change their minds over the last year.
During the first five months of 2024, the average move has cost about 2% more than during the same 5-month span in 2023. That's especially notable because we haven't even hit the peak moving summer months in 2024! In this year's study, we examine all the trends impacting the cost of moving, check where moving is spiking the most and where it may be getting cheaper, and see what those who plan on moving can expect to pay this year.
2024 Study: Moving Scams Falling in the US, But Growing Costlier
Moving scams continue to persist, but by how much?
Last year, the number of complaints lodged against moving companies with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was 8,769, a 15% increase over 2022. FMCSA complaints span a whole range of issues, including non-licensed movers, no-shows, hostage loads, and more.
What about this year? In this study, we explore the most recent trends in moving scams, see which scam and fraud types are the most prevalent, and highlight the states and cities where moving scams appear to be on the rise.
For Richer and For Poorer: How Moving Patterns of Americans Differ by Income Level
The economic divide in America fundamentally alters how, where, and why people relocate. While moving is often viewed through the lens of a fresh start, a deep dive into domestic migration reveals that income heavily dictates mobility. High earners move less frequently but cross greater distances, often motivated by job transfers or purchasing a home. Conversely, lower-income Americans move at much higher rates but typically stay local, driven primarily by rising costs and the search for cheaper housing. This report explores these oppositional migration patterns, highlighting the distinct states and cities gaining and losing residents across different economic classes.
2024-2025 Retirement Study: Where and Why Retirees Moved This Year
Each year, our Retirement Study analyzes where and why Americans choose to move during retirement. Using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, we track shifts in migration patterns, uncover the top destinations and origins, and explore the evolving motivations behind retiree moves.
2024-2025 Millennial Study: 1 in 10 Millennials Moved in 2024 but Which States and Cities Saw the Biggest Gains?
Understanding where millennials are moving provides key insights into economic shifts, housing demand, and workforce distribution. This report analyzes millennial migration trends across the U.S., identifying the states gaining and losing millennial movers.
The Rise of America’s New Boomtowns in 2025
We ranked U.S. cities by population growth, job gains, and income trends to uncover today’s top boomtowns.
Some cities are growing — and not just by a little. To find out where momentum is strongest, we analyzed migration trends, employment shifts, and income changes across dozens of U.S. metros. By looking at how these factors changed between 2018 and 2023, we identified the cities where growth isn't just happening — it's accelerating. The result is a ranking of America’s emerging boomtowns: places attracting new residents, expanding their economies, and seeing incomes rise faster than the national average. While some well-known cities continue to thrive, a growing number of smaller metros are quietly reshaping the national map by offering more affordable housing, stronger job markets, and a better quality of life. Here’s where the next wave of growth is taking shape.
The Future Homeownership Report
In 2025, the U.S. housing market is expected to remain largely frozen with limited growth, according to a J.P. Morgan report. The report also cites other challenges facing potential homeowners and movers, such as rising house costs, stagnant wage growth, and even recent governmental policies on immigration and tariffs set to affect housing affordability.
To find out where Americans may be priced out of property in the future, we created a 5-year projection which analyzed the historical progression of house prices and household income for each city and state in the U.S. By looking at how these rates increase from 2025 to 2030, we identified where residents might not be able to afford to buy a home in the future. Some states, such as Montana, will see their household income needing to increase by up to 144% for residents to afford a home in 2030, while other metro hotspots are experiencing projections as high as 517%.
The Hidden Health Toll of Moving
In this report, the moving experts at HireAHelper uncover the hidden health costs behind every relocation, from joint pain and burnout to anxiety, insomnia, and even trauma-level stress. Based on a survey of over 1,000 Americans, we reveal exactly why people find moving so stressful as well as the health effects they’ve experienced along the way.
Texas Migration Report: Where America Is Moving and Why It’s Still Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas—including its population boom. According to the 2025 Texas Migration Report from HireAHelper, more than 265,000 Americans relocated to the Lone Star State over the past year, averaging an impressive 726 new arrivals every day. Driven primarily by Gen X and millennial professionals from states like California and Florida, this massive migration wave is fueled by Texas' affordable housing, lack of state income tax, and robust job opportunities. Discover the latest data on which Texas metros are growing the fastest and why the state remains America's premier relocation destination.
Colorado Migration Report: How the Centennial State’s Moving Patterns Stack Up
Colorado’s shifting landscape is undergoing a demographic trade-off. The 2025 Colorado Migration Report from HireAHelper reveals that despite attracting over 102,000 out-of-state newcomers, the Centennial State suffered a net loss of nearly 9,500 residents as outbound migration outpaced inbound moves. Driven primarily by high housing and living costs, middle-income earners and Baby Boomers are leaving—often heading to Texas and Florida. Meanwhile, affluent millennials and Gen X professionals continue to pour into the state, primarily from Texas and California. Read on to see how these economic pressures are reshaping Colorado's major metros and mountain towns.
The Best U.S. Cities to Move to for Raising Children
When it comes to raising a family, the right environment can make a world of difference, which sometimes means making a move. But whether you're relocating for work, a better school district, or for other reasons, there are important factors to consider. To help families make informed decisions that reflect their unique goals and priorities, and dreams, the team at HireAHelper has conducted a comprehensive study of city characteristics that could influence children's health, happiness, and success.
Based on our ten-factor analysis, we’ve provided a list of the best cities to raise a family in the United States, so you can make an informed decision for your own when it comes time to move.
2025 Austin Moving Report
If you live in Austin, you've probably noticed it: the traffic's worse, your favorite taco spot has a longer wait, and it feels like everyone you meet just moved here. It’s not your imagination!
We recently put together a 2025 Texas Migration Report looking at moving patterns across the state, and Austin stood out as one of the fastest-growing metros. We dug deeper and discovered that, based on our 2025 data, 154 people move to Austin every day from outside the metro area.
We decided to take an even more detailed look, so this report breaks down who's moving to Austin, where they're coming from, and why.
2025 Denver Moving Report
Moving to Denver has been a steady trend for years. Even though Colorado as a whole saw a net loss in 2025, Denver gained 237,197 new residents, which is almost 19% of the state’s total movement. Denver continues to be the top metro destination in Colorado. More people move into the city than anywhere else in the state, but it also sees the most people leaving. This means the area is in a constant cycle of turnover, growth, and renewal. For anyone planning a move to Denver, this clear, data-backed report can help you understand where people are coming from, where they are going, and what this movement means for housing, jobs, and daily life.
2025 North Carolina Migration Report: Why the Tar Heel State Is a Top 5 Destination for Movers
North Carolina’s appeal continues to skyrocket. According to the 2025 North Carolina Migration Report from HireAHelper, the Tar Heel State captured a net population gain of over 47,000 new residents last year, ranking as the 5th most popular destination in the country. Middle-class Gen X and millennial families are flocking to major hubs like Charlotte and Raleigh, leaving high-cost states in search of better career opportunities and cheaper housing. Dive into the complete report to discover the driving forces behind this Southeast migration boom and explore how local metros are evolving amid the growth.
Every Major Moving Report of 2017 Analyzed: Where Is Everybody Going?
Migration reports are out in full force, including the famous United Van Lines yearly report. But while United handles more moves annually than any other mover network in the country, their numbers are not definitive across the industry board. North American, Atlas and Allied all see slightly – and in some cases, wildly – different results in their migration study results. Not a surprise, because as a Full Service move provider, United handles a somewhat different clientele compared to companies like ABF, U-Haul and PODS – companies whose numbers might look a lot different. Then there's that little thing called the Census. Yep, the state-to-state migration numbers for 2017 are out – and folks, we have new inbound state champions! Here are the results.
Constantly on the Move? Here Are 50 of the Most Move-friendly Jobs in the US
A few years ago, only freelance and tech roles allowed for frequent moving. The pandemic changed everything, proving many occupations can be done anywhere, permanently shifting the remote workforce.
Concurrently, the "Great Resignation" saw workers flee hospitality and food services for careers with better pay and work-life balance. These trends sparked an upswing in overall, work-related moves. Unsurprisingly, the top remote jobs belong to software developers.
With Americans prioritizing geographic freedom, HireAHelper compared over 300 occupations to find the best jobs for frequent movers. Our study highlights top remote careers, high-demand on-site jobs nationwide, and the best options for mobile workers who don't have a college degree.
The 2026 HireAHelper Moving Migration Report
In 2025, Americans didn't stop moving, but how and where they moved shifted in meaningful ways. More people chose to relocate within their own state rather than cross long distances, smaller metros outpaced major cities on a per-capita basis, and economic opportunity mattered more than just lifestyle alone. Together, these patterns point to a year defined less by dramatic relocation and more by deliberate, calculated moves, shaped by affordability, job stability, and long-term financial considerations.
The 2026 HireAHelper Migration Report is our annual deep dive into how, where, and why Americans moved in 2025. Now in its fifth year, the report reveals what made 2025 distinct: a slower overall moving year that still produced intense migration pressure in specific states and metros, particularly across the Southeast and select secondary markets.
The 2024-2025 HireAHelper Moving Migration Report
In 2024, Americans faced a unique set of challenges that shaped their moving decisions. Rising moving costs continued to strain budgets nationwide, while environmental factors such as wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather played an increasingly prominent role in relocation choices. A total of 25.87 million Americans (that's 7.8% of the population) moved this year, which might seem like an impressively high number, but it's actually in line with the historic lows seen in 2023.
The 2024-25 HireAHelper Migration Report offers a closer look at these trends. By analyzing over 114,000 moves booked through HireAHelper.com, insights from our 2024 customer survey, and the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, the report uncovers the key factors shaping how and why Americans moved this year.