Americans On The Move In 2022: Where And Why?

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Americans On The Move In 2022: Where And Why?

Jan 17, 2023 | News | 0 comments

According to United Van Lines’ 46th Annual National Movers Study, Americans are continuing to move to lower-density areas due to lifestyle preferences such as career changes, retirement, and family proximity.

For the second consecutive year, Vermont saw the highest percentage (77%) of inbound migration according to the study. For the fifth consecutive year, New Jersey residents moved out more than any other state, with 67% of New Jersey moves heading out, down from 70% in the previous five years.

In the study and survey, which examines the motivations and influences behind interstate relocations in the United States, it was found that more Baby Boomers and Gen Xers moved last year than any other group, accounting for over 55% of United Van Lines inbound moves in 2022. Moreover, the survey shows that the top motivation for inbound moves is a desire to be closer to family (35%, which continues to decrease post-COVID), a new job/company transfer (33%), and retirement (20%).

For 2022, Oregon had the second-highest percentage of inbound visitors after Vermont with 67%. A number of Northeastern states were popular moving destinations in 2022, including Rhode Island (66%), Delaware (61%), and Washington, D.C. (59%). Several Southeastern states experienced high rates of moving, including South Carolina (61%), North Carolina (61%), and Alabama (58%).

Out of the top ten inbound states, Vermont, Oregon, South Dakota, and New Mexico have less than 100 people per square mile, making them among the least densely populated regions in the United States. Among the top 10 are South Dakota and New Mexico.

A professor of public policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, Michael A. Stoll, explained that moving patterns in 2022 were driven by key factors such as retirement, family ties, and lifestyle changes influenced by the pandemic, as well as current housing prices.

The top 10 inbound states for 2022 include Delaware, North Carolina, and New Mexico (58%) as well. Retirement was cited as the top motivation for moving to Delaware and New Mexico. On the other hand, Pennsylvania (57%) and Wyoming (57%) joined the top 10 outbound states list last year. The top reason for moving out of those states is taking a new job/transferring to another company.