Home Factors 
While moving slowed down nationwide, certain pockets of the country haven’t caught their breath. From the Southeast to rising secondary markets, migration pressure is hitting an all-time high.
HireAHelper’s 2026 Migration Report examines how, where, and why Americans moved in 2025.
This analysis is based on PGM’s database of 14,977,223 adult moves tracked for the full year of January 2025 through December 2025. Unlike other studies restricted to lagging census releases or modeled estimates, this exclusive dataset captures real-time relocation activity over the past 12 months to provide a unique, high-fidelity lens into U.S. migration patterns that is unavailable through public channels.
In 2025, nearly 15 million U.S. adults moved, influenced by cost-of-living, workforce mobility, and regional housing markets.
Migration Trends by State
Some states felt the migration wave more than others, with the southeast dominating the leaderboard.
South Carolina led the nation in net migration per capita, gaining 79.7 residents per 10,000 people. North Carolina continued its population growth, ranking as one of the top inbound states of 2025 with a net gain of 30,947 residents and ranking #8 per capita.
“North Carolina is seeing a fascinating split, with some rural areas seeing a decline, while other areas near Asheville or the coast are booming, says Larisa Bedgood, Head of Marketing. “Gen X and Millennial movers are looking for mountain views paired with high-speed fiber internet.”
Migration Trends by City
Cost of living is top-of-mind when new movers choose where to put down roots. As a result, people are opting out of big city life to settle in smaller and mid-sized cities.
Myrtle Beach, SC claimed the #1 spot for inbound metro migration. North Carolina, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro were the top three destinations. Charlotte was a migration hot spot, attracting an impressive 53,486 new residents from outside its metro area.
Moving Season is Slower but More Intentional
Long-distance relocation declined as Americans prioritized job stability and financial stability. In 2025, nearly 8 in 10 of all moves were intrastate, meaning most movers stayed within their home state.
“The 2025 data marks a definitive shift toward the stabilization move,” Michelle Taves, VP and Group GM of Data and Marketing at PGM Solutions states. “While the post-pandemic era was defined by radical, cross-country leaps, we’re now seeing a more calculated approach – with nearly 80% of movers choosing to balance their desire for a new home and the need to maintain their existing professional networks and economic safety nets.”
2026 Generational Migration Trends
Life stage also impacted migration, with Gen X and Millennials making up nearly 74% of all movers. These generations were influenced by urban amenities and a thriving job market.
Gen X movers were also more likely to choose the states that offer strong employment hubs along with suburban living.
Boomers gravitated toward quieter, higher-quality-of-life destinations in New England.
“Migration in 2025 was largely defined by a generational tug-of-war between career ambition and lifestyle preservation,” states Larisa Bedgood, Head of Marketing at PGM Solutions. “While Gen X and Millennials—who drove nearly three-quarters of all moves—flocked to urban hubs and suburban employment corridors, Boomers traded the hustle for the quiet, high-quality-of-life charm of New England, proving that the ‘ideal’ destination is largely dependent on one’s stage of life.” ons varying based on their ambitions and lifestyle preferences.
How to Reach New Movers in 2026
Marketing new movers requires a strategic audience building approach, backed by insights that help you show up to every touchpoint with relevancy.
PGM’s mover data helps you reach homebuyers up to 14 days earlier than other sources. With access to 27+ million movers annually and 90%+ coverage of U.S. homebuyers, PGM’s mover data helps you reach homebuyers up to 14 days earlier than other sources.
“2025 proved that timing is everything when reaching new movers. When people move, they make a series of several major purchase decisions, says Todd Dziedzic, Head of Data Science at PGM Solutions. “Our 2025 benchmark report highlights a 2.5‑month window of high‑intent activity from this audience. Show up during that decision-making.”
Final Thoughts
In 2025, new movers are choosing stability over novelty. affordability before extravagance, and thought-out planning instead of quick relocations.
America is being redefined to meet the needs of today’s highly-intentional movers, with a focus on cost-of-living and building long term value.
