Americans Aren’t Moving Much These Days, And There Are Several Reasons Why

For generations, the freedom to move across town or across the country has been a benefit for individuals looking for a better life as well as employers seeking the most qualified workers. But the current economy has increasingly put such relocations out of reach for many Americans, and the trend is one that is worth exploring in greater detail.

Important facts and figures

According to a recent report from the Brookings Institution, the number of Americans moving per capita has dropped lower than at any point in recorded history. Comparing today’s rate to that of 60 years ago, the stark reality of today’s situation becomes obvious.

During the 1960s, roughly 20% of Americans moved in any given year. That percentage had dropped by more than half — to 8.7% — by 2022.

Understanding the causes

It would be oversimplifying things to assert that people are avoiding moves because the cost of housing has become so high, even though that is certainly part of the problem. In reality, researchers point to a number of factors contributing to the trend:

• Young adults, who are statistically more likely to move, are remaining at home with their parents for longer than in the past.
• The average age of the U.S. population is increasing, meaning fewer people are motivated to move.
• Technology has reduced the need for workers to relocate in order to accept jobs in certain industries.

Some numbers are going up

In generations past, the most common type of move was local — and that category has seen the sharpest decline in recent years. But for those interested in finding a significantly higher-income career, the allure of interstate relocations is getting stronger.

After several decades of decline, the share of moves from one state to another has increased in the post-pandemic years.

Chris Agee September 2nd, 2024

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