Study Shows Population Movement To Midwest, West, And South Amid Remote Work Rise

Since the pandemic, many Americans have relocated from expensive metropolitan areas to more affordable states, largely due to the flexibility remote work has introduced. A recent study by Ownerly tracks these migration patterns, revealing where people have chosen to start anew.

Midwestern, Western, and Southern states experienced the highest growth rates from 2021 to 2022. In contrast, states in the Northeast and Pacific Coast either grew slowly or saw population declines. Sparsely populated states like Montana and Utah, along with larger states such as Texas, have become popular destinations, as indicated by the move-ins/population growth metric.

States with the highest ratios of stagnant populations were primarily in the Northeast Corridor, as well as California and Oregon. This suggests that many residents are either moving out or experiencing higher mortality rates in these regions.

"Although the pandemic made many people more comfortable with making a big move, there has been an ongoing trend of populations moving out of the Northeast to the West and South since the 1960s," said Kevin Gawora, Economist at Ownerly. "Recently, we've seen that people tend to stay put once they move to Texas and rural areas. This could be due to the positive economic and social impacts of a change in pace and lifestyle."

Political and Social Implications

Population changes could have significant political, economic, and social effects on these regions. Political tensions are particularly notable during election years as candidates hope new residents do not alter outcomes in traditionally red or blue states while also seeking favour in swing states.

Housing remains a critical issue as many cities face increasing homelessness amid historically high rent and mortgage rates. Newcomers may exacerbate these issues and influence how long-time residents perceive the evolution of their hometowns.

Methodology

Ownerly examined Census Bureau data on interstate and international movement. The study compared move-in rates and overall population growth to assess the desirability of different states.

About Ownerly

Ownerly provides homeowners, buyers, and sellers with professional-grade home values used by real estate agents, banks, and lenders. Users can gain valuable insights into home sales and track the value of their most significant investment—their home.

For more information or press inquiries, please contact Erin Kemp at [email protected].