Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the moving industry experienced significant slowdowns in 2020 and 2021 as fewer U.S. residents decided to relocate. However, geographical mobility numbers began to bounce back in 2022. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 8.2 million people moved from one state to another in 2022, up from 7.9 million in 2021.

Of those Americans who did move, what spurred their relocation, and which U.S. cities were the most popular destinations? We gathered data points from the most recent U.S. Census Bureau demographic report and used our own in-depth consumer research on migration trends for homeowners and renters to find out. Below, we include facts and figures about residential moving to give you a big-picture look at current moving trends in the United States, plus predictions for the future.

---

Average Moving Cost

Moving costs vary depending on the size and distance of the relocation. Moving a one-bedroom apartment within the same county costs less than moving a four-bedroom home to a different state, for example. Hiring full-service movers, such as major van lines that provide packing and loading services, is often pricier than renting a moving truck or enlisting the help of a self-service moving company.

We surveyed 1,000 people in February of 2024 on the types of moves they completed in the last year and the associated costs. Of the 1,000 respondents, 94% used a full-service moving company and 6% completed a portable storage container self-service move.

About 31% of our survey takers moved locally within 150 miles, 24% moved more than 150 miles within the same state, and 25% moved from one state to another.

Based on our survey data, the length of a move was a primary determinant of cost, with intracity and local moves costing an average of $1,975–$2,064 and interstate moves costing an average of $4,764. Moves of 150 miles or more, even within a state, average $7,156. Of course, the size of the move was also a significant factor, as a two-bedroom move within the same city cost about $1,017, whereas a two-bedroom move to another state cost about $6,157.

---

General Moving Facts and Figures

These moving statistics from 2022* give a broad view of where Americans were going:

• Of all Americans who moved, 19.9% moved to a new state in 2022, up from 18.8% in 2021
• The largest state-to-state migration rates occurred between highly populated states—from California to Texas and from New York to Florida
• In-migration rates were highest in the South and West
• Out-migration rates were highest in the Northeast and West

*U.S. Census Bureau migration report 

---

Most Popular States

Florida was the top destination for out-of-state movers in 2022, regaining the position from Texas, which held the top spot in 2021. Southern states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee continue to be popular relocation spots, likely contributing to the overall migration growth experienced throughout the country’s southern region. Some states that made the list of the top 10 states people moved from in 2021—such as Washington, Colorado, and Indiana—did not experience the same exodus in 2022.

Here are the top 10 states to which people moved, and the top 10 states from which people moved in 2022, according to the U.S. Postal Service data on change-of-address requests.

---

How Far Americans Moved

The majority of Americans who moved in 2022 did so locally, according to Census Bureau data. However, increased state-to-state migration means that a relatively lower percentage of people were moving within the same county and state.

---

Why People Move

The distance people move is often related to the reason they move. Long-distance moves and interstate moves tend to be a result of changes in employment, but local moves are often motivated by changing housing or family needs. These trends have continued since 2022, but the percentage of local moves motivated by housing needs has been shrinking as fewer people are looking for larger or cheaper housing within the same city.

---

Who is Moving?

Traditionally, young adults move more often than older adults, who are more likely to be settled in their employment and family status. This was still the case in 2022, though the decline in overall moves was the sharpest among young adults. Since 2005–2006, the years before the Great Recession, the migration rate of 20–24-year-olds shrunk from just over 35% to about 18%.

---

Moving Trends Today

While we can’t predict future moving trends, recent data may be able to shed some light on future migration patterns.

Statistics suggest that Americans will continue to move out of state through 2024. Western states, particularly California, may continue to have large numbers of people moving both out and in. The flow of people to Southern states and Texas has increased over the last few years and may continue to do so as long as housing prices there remain relatively low compared to the rest of the country.

---

FAQs about Moving Trends and Statistics

How many times does the average American move in a lifetime?

The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime, according to data collected and analyzed by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Is the moving industry growing?

Though the moving industry has experienced a small net growth (0.7%) in revenue from 2023, IBIS World reports that revenue may have plunged as much as 10% in 2023 based on rising housing and fuel costs. However, the industry is expected to recover and revenue will rise by 2028.

What age group is most likely to move?

Young adults ages 20–29 are the most likely to move, according to a Brookings Institute analysis of census data.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.