Carolina Takes the Spotlight: U.S. Migration Trends Shift

Mon Feb 02 2026 05:44:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

North Carolina and South Carolina emerge as leading growth destinations in the U.S., attracting new residents amid declining migration rates in Florida and Texas, as revealed by the latest Census Bureau report.

North Carolina has seen the highest domestic migration in the U.S. with 84,000 new residents, while South Carolina boasts the highest growth rate at 1.5%. Meanwhile, Florida's appeal diminishes, and migration slows in Texas due to rising costs and quality of life concerns. The demographic shifts may impact political landscapes in the upcoming decades as states gain or lose representation in Congress.

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

North Carolina attracted 84,000 new residents from other states last year, taking the top domestic migration title, previously held by Texas in 2024 and Florida in the two years before that. South Carolina holds the highest overall growth rate at 1.5%, surpassing Florida's previous record in 2024, based on U.S. Census Bureau figures released this past week.

Domestic migration has slowed in Texas, which recorded 67,300 migrants moving to the second most populous state, slightly lower than South Carolina’s 66,600, reflecting changing preferences among U.S. residents.

The allure of Florida has diminished, as it dropped to eighth place for state-to-state migration, with residents increasingly choosing destinations like Alabama.

People like Sabrina Morley and Steven Devereaux, formerly from Florida, moved to Valencia, Spain, driven by concerns over costs, threats of violence, and education quality. They highlight changing sentiments among families planning for the future.

Younger Crowds and Attractive Regions

Experts attribute North Carolina's growth to its high-paying jobs in banking and tech, as well as its appealing landscapes that attract younger people who can work remotely. Our cities are not huge, which may also be attractive to those looking for a different lifestyle, notes state demographer Michael Cline.

The shifting demographics signal significant political and economic implications for the future as states may gain or lose congressional clout after the next census in 2030.

Despite domestic migration slowdown, both Texas and Florida saw substantial overall population growth, accounting for the two highest increases in the U.S. last year, fueled by international migration and natural population growth.

Post-pandemic trends show a decline in the once popular migration flows to Florida as residents address affordability issues. Meanwhile, experts emphasize that younger generations influence migration patterns significantly, with states needing to reassess their attractiveness as residences.

The national dialogue is shifting, with migration playing a pivotal role in shaping future demographic dynamics, quality of life, and the broader economic landscape across the United States.