Where Are Americans Really Moving in 2026?

South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the entire country right now, adding population at a rate of 1.5 percent, according to the latest Census Bureau estimates. North Carolina ranks third nationally at 1.3 percent growth, adding 145,907 new residents this past year alone, the third-highest raw number of any state. Myrtle Beach currently leads every single city in the country in inbound-to-outbound move ratio, for roughly every 1 person who moves away, close to 4 people move in, the best ratio of any city in the United States, coastal or otherwise.

The reasons are consistent across every data source: beach access, golf infrastructure, a lower cost of living than comparable coastal Florida markets, and a healthcare system that's expanded to support year-round residents rather than just seasonal visitors. For the second year in a row, the top reason Americans gave for moving was to be closer to family, not a new job.

California continues to lose more residents than any other state. It carries the highest top income tax rate in the country at 13.3 percent, home prices remain out of reach for most income levels even in less desirable areas, and a challenging regulatory environment has pushed a steady wave of companies, and the jobs that come with them, to states like Texas.

It's worth acknowledging directly that coastal flood and hurricane risk exists all along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, not just here, and insurance costs and storm exposure are real considerations no matter which coastline you're looking at. The honest answer is that buyers aren't weighing risk against no risk, they're weighing risk against cost and comparing one coastline to another. Relative affordability along much of the NC and SC coast, combined with steadily improving building codes and elevation standards for newer construction, has kept the value proposition strong even as awareness of storm risk has grown. It's a real factor to discuss with your agent and insurance provider, not something to ignore, but it hasn't outweighed the combination of lifestyle, affordability, and community that continues to draw people here. If you're thinking about making a move to Central North Carolina or the coast, get in touch and I'd love to talk through what the data means for your specific situation.