Despite Nationwide Decline, Gen Z Continues to Make Interstate Moves

Americans are moving less than they used to, with just 7.15 million Americans moving across state lines as of 2024. That figure represents the lowest level in a decade and is also down by 13% over the past two years.

Still, some Americans—primarily in the Generation Z cohort—are finding reasons to move. A recent study from online self-storage marketplace StorageCafe looks at which Americans are moving, what their motives are, and where they’re going.

The Sun Belt and Mountain West draw the most movers

With its more affordable home prices, the Sun Belt continues to draw in movers, but the Mountain West is also gaining residents at higher rates. Texas and Florida saw the most incoming movers. As of 2024, the net migration in Texas reached 76,000 people, while in Florida, net migration reached 68,000 people. South Carolina followed with a net migration of 54,000 people, Arizona with a net migration of 51,000 people, and then Nevada with a net migration of 43,500 people.

Gen Z is making the most moves

For the first time on record, Gen Z was found to be the generation that is making the most interstate moves. As of 2024, 2.2 million Gen Zers moved states, accounting for nearly one in three interstate moves.

Millennials have long dominated interstate moves, but as the generation ages up and settles down, they are moving less. As a result of these trends, Millennials fell into second place in 2024, accounting for 28% of interstate movers, or about 2 million people.

Why are Americans moving?

With rising home prices, many Gen Zers are moving to find affordable housing markets. According to the survey, about 42% of Americans who moved across state lines in 2024 purchased a home in a different state.

Remote work also plays a role in interstate moves. Of those surveyed, 19% work from home, compared with 13% of the general population. This flexibility allows these movers to work from and move to just about anywhere.