Discover which states had the most drastic population shifts in 2024!

The heartbeat of America continues to pulsate as the United States witnessed a 1% increase in population from 2023 to 2024, surpassing the 340 million mark. This growth was largely fueled by international migration, with individuals flocking to various states and the District of Columbia. However, internal migration had a profound impact, painting the South as a prominent destination for those seeking new opportunities and a change of pace.

States Witnessing the Biggest Gains and Losses from Internal Migration:

1. Texas
   • Texas emerged as the frontrunner in internal migration, welcoming 85,267 residents from other states in 2024. The Lone Star State’s appeal lies in its high-paying jobs in technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors, coupled with a lower cost of living compared to other states. Moreover, Texas takes pride in hosting the most Fortune 500 companies nationwide.
2. North Carolina
   • Following closely behind Texas, North Carolina saw a migration influx of 82,288 residents. The state’s alluring factors include low taxes, abundant business prospects, and a warm climate. Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh have experienced substantial growth, with Raleigh being recognized as the second-fastest-growing city nationally.
3. South Carolina
   • South Carolina witnessed an uptick of 68,043 residents due to internal migration. The state’s healthy economic environment, characterized by low taxes, pleasant weather, and a high quality of life, enticed individuals to relocate. Affordable housing prices stood out as a significant draw, with the average home price in South Carolina hovering around $380,900, substantially lower than the national average.
4. California
   • On the flip side, California encountered a substantial exodus of 239,575 residents through internal migration in 2024. Despite this, the state witnessed a surge in population due to international migration, with 361,057 migrants entering from abroad. High living costs, taxes, natural disasters, crime rates, and expensive housing marked key drivers behind the state’s population shift.
5. New York
   • New York bid farewell to 120,917 individuals through internal migration, echoing California’s population change trends. The state experienced an exodus of 630,000 people since 2020, primarily due to factors like exorbitant taxes, cost of living, and housing prices.
6. Illinois
   • Illinois saw an internal migration loss of 56,235 residents in 2024, attributed largely to high taxes prevailing in the state. With one of the highest tax rates nationally, Illinois faced challenges in retaining residents seeking more affordable living options elsewhere.

As the nation continues to witness shifts in population dynamics, various states attract or repel residents based on a multitude of factors. Be it economic prospects, climate conditions, or affordability, internal migration patterns shed light on the diverse reasons behind individuals’ decisions to relocate. These trends not only shape the demographic landscape but also influence states’ policies and development strategies to cater to changing resident needs.