The covid pandemic did not stop a decline in the nation’s mover rate which in 2021 was at a new historical low since 1948, according to the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC).
The 2021 mover rate was less than half what it was 74 years ago. Also, 8.4% of people lived in a different residence one year ago, down from 9.3% in 2020.
In 2021, the South gained about 253,000 people from migration between regions while the Northeast lost about 227,000. The Midwest and West reported small changes.
Despite fewer Americans are moving than ever before, people are flocking to some familiar cities, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data.
Houston, Las Vegas and Phoenix topped this year’s edition of truck rental company Penske’s annual Top Moving Destinations report, as reported by CNBC. The Sun Belt led the way, with Dallas, Austin and San Antonio also ranking highly.
“In 2021, less than one-fifth (of movers) moved from one state to another, while more than half moved within the same county,” the Bureau report noted. “This was also the case in 2017 through 2020.”
Fewer international movers affected by flying restriction and also fewer people moving for job-related reasons had an impact on the 2021 results.
