US Moving Statistics for 2019

From the highway to the back roads, chances are good that you’ve spotted a moving truck while out and about. In fact, given that millions of American households move each year, you’ve likely encountered everything from well-known van lines and independent movers to truck rentals and moving containers. With so many Americans on the move, you may be wondering “where is everyone going and why?”. Fortunately, we have the answers. Thanks to mobility data compiled by the United States Census Bureau., we can see: a) how many Americans are moving, b) where they are moving to and from, and c) why they are moving.

According to the research, it’s obvious that Americans are packing their bags and heading west. States such as Washington and California offer excellent job opportunities, terrific weather, and an abundance of outdoor activities – all of which appeal to newcomers. Americans also continue to move to popular warm weather destinations, such as Florida and North Carolina. Both states are popular among retirees, students and professionals looking for a high quality of life. Of course, not every state is enjoying a population boom. Areas of the country where more people are leaving than coming include a number of Northeastern states as well as New Jersey and Illinois – among others.

For more American moving statistics, check out our synopsis below.

American Moving Statistics

How many people in the US move each year?

When you’re in the midst of a chaotic move, it may seem as though you’re the only one dealing with the typical stresses of packing and moving. But really you’re not. In fact, according to the numbers, 32 million people in the US moved in 2018. To put that in perspective, that’s 10.1% of the population of 319 million US residents.

Another interesting statistic is that fewer Americans are moving each year. Twenty years ago, 1998, 16% of Americans moved, while in 2018 only 10.1% of Americans moved. Of those Americans that move, 85% percent of them move within the same state, and 15% percent of them move to a different state.

Where are Americans moving to?

So where exactly are the 15 percent of Americans who are moving to a different state moving to? In 2018, the US Census Bureau reported that Florida had the most people moving to it. Florida’s sunny weather and low cost of living are just a couple of reasons why Americans are moving to this wonderful state. In addition, other warm weather states include Texas, California and North Carolina.

States people are moving to

  1. Florida
  2. Texas
  3. California
  4. North Carolina
  5. New York
  6. Georgia
  7. Arizona
  8. Washington
  9. Virginia
  10. Pennsylvania

Where are Americans moving from?

So where are Americans leaving? While California is a popular state to move to, it also is a costly state to live in and many people are moving to lower cost of living states. It isn’t surprising that California, Texas, New York, and Florida are in the top moving from and moving to states considering these are the most populous states in the country.

States people are moving from

  1. California
  2. Texas
  3. New York
  4. Florida
  5. Illinois
  6. Virginia
  7. Georgia
  8. Pennsylvania
  9. North Carolina
  10. New Jersey

Why are Americans moving?

Included in US Census Bureau are the top 19 reasons why Americans move in the first place. The data was collected from a 2018 U.S. Census questionnaire. If you’ve moved in the past, chances are good that it was for one of these reasons.

How are Americans moving?

From hiring full-service movers to renting a moving truck, there are numerous ways to relocate to a new home. Oftentimes, the decision over how to move comes down to a person’s budget and needs. Other factors to consider include the amount of belongings being moved and the distance from point A to point B. For instance, if you’re only moving a small apartment’s worth of belongings to a nearby home, then you may be able to rent a truck and move yourself. However, if you’re moving a large household to a new location, then you’ll likely need to hire professional movers to help with the heavy lifting and/or transportation.

Based on ATA data, here’s how Americans are moving in 2018:

  • 19% use Professional movers
  • 34% Rent a truck
  • 47% Move themselves

Moving soon?

Are you one of the 32 million Americans moving to a new home this year? If so, you may need help with the heavy lifting. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. For additional help planning your upcoming move, check out our move planner tool. We provide you with customizable moving checklists, personal tasks list, email reminders and coupons to help you stay organized during a move. Best of luck and happy moving!