New data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that Southern states emerged as the fastest-growing region in the U.S. last year, experiencing a collective growth of over 1.3 million people, reported USA Today. This growth, marking a 1.1% increase over 2021, is attributed to both domestic and international migration. The South has consistently seen year-to-year net domestic migration growth since 2018, solidifying its status as the most populous region in the U.S., with a population of 128.7 million.
In contrast, northeastern states witnessed a loss of approximately 219,000 residents to other states, and the Midwest lost around 49,000 residents. The West experienced modest growth, gaining about 153,000 residents, representing a 0.2% increase.
The nationwide trend indicates a rebound in population growth, with increased births and more individuals moving across state lines, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Florida emerged as the fastest-growing state in 2022, marking the first time since 1957 that it secured the largest percent increase in population.
Notably, a significant portion of the nearly 550,000 New Yorkers who relocated last year, around 91,000, chose Florida as their destination. This surpasses all other states as the preferred relocation choice for New Yorkers.
The motivations behind Americans’ choice to relocate include a desire to improve their quality of life, live in more affordable areas, and secure larger homes. A survey from Home Bay, a California-based real estate brokerage, indicates that nearly a quarter of respondents considered quality of life the most important factor influencing their decision to move states.