Carolina Takes the Lead: A Shift in U.S. Migration Trends

Sat Jan 31 2026 20:23:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

North Carolina and South Carolina have emerged as unexpected leaders in domestic migration, with significant population increases as residents flock from other states. This article explores the implications of these developments on both states and the broader national landscape.

In 2024, North Carolina attracted the highest number of domestic migrants, overtaking Texas and Florida, while South Carolina achieved the highest growth rate. Residents are leaving states like Florida due to various concerns, including rising costs and political divisiveness. Experts suggest that North Carolina’s appeal lies in its economic opportunities, scenic landscapes, and quality of life. The patterns of migration reflect changing tides in the socio-political landscape of the United States, potentially redefining power dynamics leading into the next census.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Move over Florida and Texas. The United States has new hot spots for growth, and both have Carolina in their name.

North Carolina attracted the most new residents in 2024 with 84,000 domestic migrants, a title previously held by Texas and Florida. Meanwhile, South Carolina led in overall growth rate, recording a 1.5% increase in population, surpassing Florida.

In contrast, Texas saw a decline in domestic migration with only 67,300 people moving there—barely outpacing South Carolina's figures.

Florida's allure seems to be waning as it dropped to eighth place for state-to-state migration. One family, Sabrina Morley and Steven Devereaux, decided to leave Florida for Spain, citing high costs and concerns over mass shootings as detrimental factors.

“I had a pretty good childhood, but I don’t think we’d be able to give our child the same quality of life because of the cost of living and the prevalence of guns,” remarked Devereaux. “We believe this move is the best decision for our future child.”

Why North Carolina?

Michael Cline, a state demographer, attributes North Carolina's growth to its thriving banking and tech sectors, as well as its diverse landscapes that appeal to younger populations. He notes, “Our cities are not huge, and that may attract people looking for a pleasant environment to work remotely.”

With increased domestic migration comes significant implications for taxpayers, economic dynamism, and future congressional representation as the United States approaches the next census in 2030.

The changes in migration patterns are essential as the Trump administration's immigration restrictions have severely limited migration from abroad. This decline means domestic migration may play a more pivotal role in population dynamics going forward.

Despite slowing year-over-year migration figures, Texas still reported a net gain of 391,000 people, and Florida grew by 196,000 residents last year—largely due to international migration during earlier pandemic years.

Demographers express skepticism regarding the Census Bureau’s figures, which reflect only the nuances of migration and can fluctuate annually. Richard Doty, a research demographer from Florida, points to factors like housing costs and the impacts of hurricanes as vital influences on these migration trends.

As both North and South Carolina continue to attract newcomers, other states like Florida could face a continued decline as they grapple with reputation challenges and economic pressures. Observers will be monitoring how these trends shape the future socioeconomic landscape of the U.S.