The States More Americans Are Flocking To, And The Ones They’re Leaving Behind
We’ve done some digging and identified which of the 48 contiguous states — and Washington, D.C. — are seeing an influx of newcomers that outweighs the number of residents leaving. On the other side of the coin, there are states that have seen a net outflow of residents. So just what are the key factors that make some states popular while others are shunned? Read on to find the answers — some of them may well come as a surprise.
1. Vermont
Inbound: 74%
Outbound: 26%
Population: 643,077
America’s second smallest state by population, Vermont saw nearly three times as many newcomers as leavers. Perhaps it’s the plentiful space in Vermont that attracts people. According to United Van Lines, Vermont is among the 20 states with the lowest population density. There are fewer than 100 people in each square mile. Room to swing a cat.
2. South Dakota
Inbound: 69%
Outbound: 31%
Population: 902,542
Could it be the majestic presidential faces carved into the cliffs of Mount Rushmore that draw so many people to hightail it to South Dakota? Then again, the fact the cost of living is lower than the U.S. average can hardly fail to be an attraction. A notably low unemployment rate — less than three percent — also makes the state a popular destination.
3. South Carolina
Inbound: 63%
Outbound: 37%
Population: 5,342,388
The major pull of some states is ready availability of employment. But that’s not the case when it comes to the Palmetto State. More than a third of arrivals to South Carolina come to make it their retirement home. Given the preponderance of desirable beachside properties and rolling golf courses, that seems like a wise choice.
4. West Virginia
Inbound: 63%
Outbound: 38%
Population: 1,755,715
It’s no surprise that a state that hosts the scenic marvels of the Blue Ridge Mountains is chosen by lots of people when they decide to make a move. After all, in his 1971 hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” John Denver sang that West Virginia was “almost heaven.” But the allure of the state is based on more than the wonders of nature. In fact, the single most cited reason for arriving in West Virginia is the buoyant employment opportunities.
