The United States population grew by 1% from 2023 to 2024, sending the population north of 340 million.
International migration played a central role in the population increase, with newcomers spread across all states and the District of Columbia. But when it comes to internal migration, the biggest beneficiary was the South, which received more internal migrants than every other region combined.
Here are the states that saw the biggest gains and losses from internal migration, according to census data:
Texas
In 2024, 85,267 residents moved to Texas from other states, making it the biggest beneficiary of internal migration. Migrants were drawn by high-paying jobs in technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors and the state’s comparatively low cost of living. Texas is distinguished by having the most Fortune 500 companies of any state.
North Carolina
Close behind Texas, North Carolina saw the relocation of 82,288 residents in 2024. Migrants are drawn by the state’s low taxes, business opportunities, and warm weather. In Charlotte, the largest city in the Tar Heel State, the average low only reaches below freezing in January. Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, was named the second-fastest-growing city in the country by the Census Bureau in May. Charlotte came in as the 11th-fastest-growing city in the country.
South Carolina
South Carolina saw an increase of 68,043 residents through internal migration in 2024. Hannah Hopewell, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce membership and communications manager, cited a good economy as the primary reason for the migration.
“People are moving to the state for the low taxes, warm weather, a good quality of life, and reasonable housing prices,” she said. “Many are also attracted to the jobs that are being created in our economy.”
The average price of a house in South Carolina is about 14.6% lower than the national average, hovering around $380,900.
California
California saw the continuation of an exodus of residents, far more than the closest competitor — the state lost 239,575 residents through internal migration.
Despite this, the population of the state actually grew significantly through international migration, with 361,057 migrants moving in from abroad.
The reasons for California’s exodus vary, with the high cost of living, high taxes, natural disasters, crime, and expensive housing all playing significant roles.
New York
New York lost 120,917 people through internal migration, though, like California, its population grew overall due to international migration.
According to the Adirondack Almanack, 630,000 people have left New York since 2020. The reasons for leaving are similar to California, including high taxes, a high cost of living, and expensive housing.
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Illinois
Though not losing nearly as much as California or New York, Illinois lost 56,235 people in 2024 through internal migration. High taxes have been cited as the No. 1 reason for leaving the state. Illinois boasts one of the highest tax rates in the country.
This article was originally published at www.washingtonexaminer.com
