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Are you curious about the most sought-after states for relocation in 2026? Whether people are chasing career opportunities or seeking a change in lifestyle, the landscape of American migration is constantly evolving.
Each year, approximately 33 million Americans make the decision to move, but where are they heading? With insights drawn from recent Census data, we’ve identified the states experiencing significant population growth, and the results may surprise you.
The Fastest Growing States in the U.S.
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Arizona
- Utah
- South Carolina
- Colorado
- Washington
- Texas
- North Carolina
- Georgia
It’s interesting to see that the allure of traditional hotspots like New York has diminished, as many people now prefer more affordable and spacious living options.
At least we can confirm that these states are where Americans are currently opting to settle down.
HOW WE DETERMINED THE Fastest growing states
To identify the fastest-growing states, we analyzed population data from the Census’s ACS, comparing figures from 2023 to 2022. We calculated the percentage change based on total population, recognizing that a small state gaining a few residents could have a more significant impact than a larger state losing many.
The states with the highest percentage of new residents are deemed the fastest growing.
Additionally, we tracked where these new residents originated, excluding foreign migrations, which still played a role in the population shifts for most states in the top 10, except for Idaho.
1. Idaho
Population Change: 1.87%
Population Gain: 32,857
Where They Moved From: California, Washington, and Oregon
Idaho welcomed 32,857 new residents in the past year, representing a 1.87% population increase. The influx largely came from California, Washington, and Oregon, likely influenced by Idaho’s relatively lower cost of living.
2. Nevada
Population Change: 1.51%
Population Gain: 45,764
Where They Moved From: California, Utah, and Arizona
Nevada’s population surged by 45,764, indicating a 1.51% growth. The state’s appeal goes beyond entertainment, reflecting a broader attraction to its lifestyle and economic opportunities.
3. Arizona
Population Change: 1.49%
Population Gain: 107,071
Where They Moved From: California, Texas, and Washington
Arizona saw a population increase of 107,071, or 1.49%, as many opted for its warm climate and recreational opportunities, moving from California, Texas, and Washington.
4. Utah
Population Change: 1.42%
Population Gain: 44,853
Where They Moved From: California, Idaho, and Colorado
Utah’s population increased by 44,853, marking a 1.42% growth, with many newcomers from California, Idaho, and Colorado drawn by the state’s outdoor lifestyle.
5. South Carolina
Population Change: 1.27%
Population Gain: 64,587
Where They Moved From: North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia
South Carolina’s population grew by 64,587, representing a 1.27% increase, attracting residents from North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, making it a popular retirement destination.
6. Colorado
Population Change: 1.11%
Population Gain: 63,172
Where They Moved From: Texas, California, and Florida
Colorado welcomed 63,172 new residents, resulting in a 1.11% growth. The state’s blend of outdoor activities and vibrant communities continues to attract newcomers from various states.
7. Washington
Population Change: 1.05%
Population Gain: 79,302
Where They Moved From: Texas, California, and Oregon
Washington added 79,302 residents, achieving a 1.05% increase. The state’s diverse job market and natural beauty remain key attractions for new residents.
8. Texas
Population Change: 1.02%
Population Gain: 294,036
Where They Moved From: Louisiana, California, and Florida
Texas experienced a significant population gain of 294,036, with a growth rate of 1.02%. The state’s booming job market continues to lure individuals from Louisiana, California, and Florida.
9. North Carolina
Population Change: 1.01%
Population Gain: 104,464
Where They Moved From: South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia
North Carolina gained 104,464 residents, marking a 1.01% increase, with many drawn by its diverse lifestyle options and economic opportunities.
10. Georgia
Population Change: 0.93%
Population Gain: 97,948
Where They Moved From: South Carolina, Florida, and Texas
Georgia rounded out the top ten with a population increase of 97,948, reflecting a 0.93% growth, largely attributed to its affordable living and strong job market.
Moving On Up
As more Americans seek new places to call home, it’s evident that job opportunities and living costs are increasingly influential in relocation decisions.
Gone are the days when individuals were willing to squeeze into high-cost urban apartments. Today, people are prioritizing space and affordability, leading to a trend toward states that offer a balance of lifestyle, cost, and career potential.
The Fastest (and Slowest) Growing States in the U.S.
| Rank | State | Population Change | Population Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho | 1.87% | 32,857 |
| 2 | Nevada | 1.51% | 45,764 |
| 3 | Arizona | 1.49% | 107,071 |
| 4 | Utah | 1.42% | 44,853 |
| 5 | South Carolina | 1.27% | 64,587 |
| 6 | Colorado | 1.11% | 63,172 |
| 7 | Washington | 1.05% | 79,302 |
| 8 | Texas | 1.02% | 294,036 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 1.01% | 104,464 |
| 10 | Georgia | 0.93% | 97,948 |
| 11 | Tennessee | 0.87% | 59,164 |
| 12 | Florida | 0.84% | 178,412 |
| 13 | Delaware | 0.68% | 6,593 |
| 14 | Oregon | 0.64% | 27,024 |
| 15 | Montana | 0.61% | 6,473 |
| 16 | Indiana | 0.60% | 40,341 |
| 17 | Minnesota | 0.51% | 28,453 |
| 18 | Maine | 0.43% | 5,808 |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 0.35% | 13,892 |
| 20 | Alabama | 0.31% | 15,314 |
| 21 | South Dakota | 0.27% | 2,424 |
| 22 | Nebraska | 0.27% | 5,140 |
| 23 | North Dakota | 0.26% | 1,985 |
| 24 | New Hampshire | 0.24% | 3,253 |
| 25 | Virginia | 0.21% | 17,834 |
| 26 | Rhode Island | 0.19% | 2,046 |
| 27 | Missouri | 0.18% | 10,976 |
| 28 | Wyoming | 0.18% | 1,022 |
| 29 | Wisconsin | 0.15% | 8,866 |
| 30 | Arkansas | 0.13% | 3,979 |
| 31 | New Mexico | 0.07% | 1,401 |
| 32 | Kansas | 0.06% | 1,804 |
| 33 | Maryland | 0.05% | 2,962 |
| 34 | Ohio | 0.00% | -342 |
| 35 | Kentucky | -0.02% | -729 |
| 36 | Iowa | -0.03% | -1,075 |
| 37 | Pennsylvania | -0.04% | -5,071 |
| 38 | Michigan | -0.09% | -9,058 |
| 39 | California | -0.11% | -44,822 |
| 40 | Massachusetts | -0.14% | -9,646 |
| 41 | Connecticut | -0.21% | -7,378 |
| 42 | Louisiana | -0.24% | -11,184 |
| 43 | New Jersey | -0.30% | -26,330 |
| 44 | Hawaii | -0.33% | -4,619 |
| 45 | Mississippi | -0.35% | -10,381 |
| 46 | Vermont | -0.37% | -2,310 |
| 47 | New York | -0.45% | -88,648 |
| 48 | Illinois | -0.54% | -69,259 |
| 49 | West Virginia | -0.76% | -13,685 |
| 50 | Alaska | -0.80% | -5,893 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
