Americans are on the move, so much so that it is dramatically shifting the country’s population patterns.
Nearly 15 million adults in the US relocated last year, which accounted for about four per cent of the adult population, according to a new report.
While many remained within state lines, the areas where Americans are going have changed due to affordability and lifestyle choices.
‘This year, people are not focused on extremes, such as the largest cities or the most affordable locations,’ said Daniel Cobb, lead researcher on the report by website HireAHelper.
‘The data shows that Americans are prioritizing stability, with a focus on jobs, housing availability, and long-term value.’
South Carolina led the nation in net migration per capita in 2025 and cities such as Greenville and Charleston are proving especially popular. The state gained an astonishing 79.7 residents for every 10,000 people already living there.
It has rapidly emerged as one of the most desirable states in the country, drawing newcomers at a rate unmatched by any other.
The surge there is credited to the booming job market and the appeal of a lifestyle that balances work and leisure. While affordability is not the main factor, lower living costs are still a big part of the equation.
South Carolina was the state where the most Americans flocked to last year, with cities such as Charleston in high demand
Edisto Beach, South Carolina, is an uncrowded resort town
The report shows that while the total number of moves in the US was high, 78 percent of Americans relocated to another area in their own state.
Most people who skipped a long-distance move relocated locally to escape large cities, move into a larger home or simply choose a different neighborhood.
Beyond South Carolina, several other states are seeing significant population growth relative to their size.
The Southeastern and Mountain West regions, in particular, have grown especially attractive as Americans leave more expensive or congested areas in search of affordable housing, a better quality of life and new job opportunities.
Idaho attracted 63.2 new residents per 10,000 people, Delaware gained 54.5, Tennessee drew 43.6 and Alabama added 36.6.
According to the report, those are the fastest per-capita migrations in the country.
Smaller and mid-sized metro areas are also seeing notable growth.
In South Carolina, the Myrtle Beach–Conway region added 190 new residents per 10,000 people. The report credits the boom of the coastal cities to affordability and lifestyle appeal.
Greenville, South Carolina, has become increasingly popular. The state led the nation in net migration per capita in 2025 due to its affordability and lifestyle factors
Table Rock Mountain in South Carolina is at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Summerville, a peaceful suburb with stunning scenery near Charleston, South Carolina. It has affordable homes and was unexpectedly named America’s top ‘job magnet’
Americans are choosing smaller cities, with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, popular last year
Myrtle Beach’s growth in 2025 was fueled by a diverse mix of inbound residents, both regional and long-distance.
The largest share of newcomers came from North Carolina at 12.41 percent, while a significant portion of movers also arrived from high-cost Northeastern states, including New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In Florida, the Ocala region added 124 per 10,000 people, while Seaford, Delaware, also saw an increase of 124 per 10,000.
The numbers suggest that Americans are increasingly favoring smaller, more manageable cities that offer space, affordability and community, rather than bigger, overcrowded and expensive ones.
Not all states are benefiting from the migration trend.
High-cost states continue to see residents leave in search of cheaper living costs.
California experienced the largest net loss, followed by New York, Massachusetts, Illinois and Maryland.
The pattern shows many Americans leaving high-tax, high-cost areas for states that offer a more balanced cost of living and emerging workforce opportunities.
Idaho attracted 63.2 new residents per 10,000 in 2025, according to the report
Movers into Tennessee are taking advantage of lower housing prices and an easier way of life
Alabama added 36.6 new residents per 10,000 residents already living there
Housing in New York City remains sky high, with many residents fleeing in search of lower costs and a slower way of life
Delaware is no longer one of America’s best-kept secrets. With its small, affordable cities and proximity to the beach, many people are moving in
The state offers a more balanced cost of living and emerging opportunities in the workforce
Monthly patterns in 2025 reveal that migration was steady throughout the year, rather than concentrated in a single season.
South Carolina and Idaho consistently attracted newcomers each month, while Washington, DC, experienced the highest per capita outflow.
August remained the peak moving season, continuing the historical trend of summer moves, when families aim to relocate between school years or take advantage of summer weather.
The forces driving these moves reveal a common theme.
Job availability remains a top factor, with South Carolina’s manufacturing sector pulling many workers into the state.
Affordability is equally important, drawing retirees and remote workers to states such as Idaho and Alabama.
Smaller cities are particularly appealing for their lower costs and better quality of life that larger metro areas struggle to match.
