- South Carolina (3.6%) and Idaho (3.4%) led the nation in population gains through net migration, though the pace of domestic relocation has slowed.
- Rising interest rates and return-to-office policies are curbing migration that surged during the pandemic.
- North Dakota saw strong gains due to its smaller population and job growth from companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
- States like California, New York, and Illinois saw the largest population losses, driven by affordability and remote work.
Migration Slows, But Southern and Mountain States Lead
According to Globe St, South Carolina and Idaho led the nation in population growth in early 2025. Net migration added 3.6% and 3.4% to their populations, respectively. However, the overall pace of domestic migration has declined since early 2024, as reported by Placer.ai.
New Growth in North Dakota
North Dakota slightly surpassed both leaders in recent months. The state’s small population means even modest inflows have a big impact. It has drawn new residents with affordable housing and a strong job market. Microsoft and Amazon have expanded near Fargo, adding to the appeal.
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Nationwide Trend Is Cooling
Domestic migration patterns seen during the pandemic have slowed. Higher mortgage rates and more return-to-office mandates are making moves less attractive. Popular states like Florida and Nevada have seen slower growth.
Rebound in Outbound States
Several states that once lost residents are now seeing minor gains. Michigan, Minnesota, Virginia, and Ohio have started to reverse their migration trends. Rising housing costs in places like the Mountain West are pushing people to consider new options.
Californians and New Yorkers Move Nearby
California and New York continue to see high outbound migration. Many New Yorkers are moving to New Jersey (21%), Pennsylvania (9%), and Connecticut (7%). About 30% chose Florida. Californians mostly stayed close, with 11.5% moving to Nevada and 9% to Arizona. Others headed to Texas (19%) and Florida (8%).
Metro Trends Reveal Shifts
City-level data shows changes are evening out. Cities with large losses or gains are flattening. Miami lost 1% of its population between 2024 and 2025, after a 2.6% drop from 2020 to 2024. High housing costs are a major factor. Phoenix is the only large metro that still shows consistent population growth.
Why It Matters
Migration trends point to regional shifts in housing demand, job growth, and affordability. Slower migration could signal changes in the housing market and labor force distribution.
What’s Next
If housing costs stay high and remote work declines, expect slower migration. But areas with strong job markets and affordable homes—like North Dakota and Ohio—could see continued growth.
