At least 27 million Americans have relocated each year since the government began record keeping in 1948. The reasons any one person or family may decide to move are often personal. These include being closer to relatives, starting a new relationship, or needing a larger home.
However, many parts of the country offer advantages with more universal appeal, and some of these places have seen a population boom in the last year.Â
Using metro area level data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program, 24/7 Wall St. identified the cities bringing in the most people. Metro areas were ranked based on the percentage change in population due to net migration from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Data was aggregated from the county level to the metropolitan level using metropolitan statistical area definitions for July 2023 from the Census Bureau.
The number of people who moved to each of the 50 metro areas on this list between July 2021 and June 2022 is larger than the number who moved out by anywhere from about 1,400 to over 128,000. In some cases, this amounted to a population increase of well over 4%, not factoring in population change from births or deaths. While domestic migration accounted for the bulk of new residents in the cities on this list, all but one have also had a net gain in international migrants as well. (Here is a look at the best U.S. cities for immigrants, according to data.)Â
Some portion of Americans who move each year do so to be in a better climate, and many of the metro areas on this list have warm temperatures year-round. Of the 50 cities on this list, 39 are located in the South, including 18 in Florida alone. Meanwhile, only three cities on this list are in the Midwest and none are in the Northeast.Â
Financial incentives may also be a pull factor in many of these places. Including the 18 metro areas in Florida, the four in Texas, and the three in Tennessee, over half of the cities on this list are in states that do not levy a personal income tax. (This is where Americans are paying the most in state and local taxes.)
Click here to see the cities gaining the most people.
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
50. Charleston-North Charleston, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.6% (+13,324)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +11,048
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,276
> Total population, 2022: 830,529
[in-text-ad]
Source: TrongNguyen / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
49. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.6% (+128,239)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +89,734
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +38,505
> Total population, 2022: 7,943,685
24/7 Wall St.
Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images
48. Billings, MT
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.7% (+3,128)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,828
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +300
> Total population, 2022: 190,208
Source: SEASTOCK / iStock via Getty Images
47. Bellingham, WA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.7% (+3,865)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,342
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +523
> Total population, 2022: 230,677
[in-text-ad-2]
46. Hinesville, GA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.7% (+1,438)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,324
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +114
> Total population, 2022: 86,378
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
45. Raleigh-Cary, NC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.8% (+25,616)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +19,985
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,631
> Total population, 2022: 1,484,338
[in-text-ad]
Source: tristanbnz / iStock via Getty Images
44. Coeur d’Alene, ID
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+3,338)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,390
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: -52
> Total population, 2022: 183,578
24/7 Wall St.
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
43. Sioux Falls, SD-MN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+5,448)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,137
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,311
> Total population, 2022: 299,129
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
42. Savannah, GA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+7,740)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +7,009
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +731
> Total population, 2022: 418,373
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
41. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+5,590)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,078
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +512
> Total population, 2022: 299,786
Source: BlazenImages / iStock via Getty Images
40. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+10,763)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,249
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,514
> Total population, 2022: 576,403
[in-text-ad]
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
39. Knoxville, TN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+17,646)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +16,856
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +790
> Total population, 2022: 932,245
Source: Jeffrey Schreier / iStock via Getty Images
38. Huntsville, AL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+9,712)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,089
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +623
> Total population, 2022: 514,465
Source: jodi4art / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
37. Tyler, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+4,595)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,359
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +236
> Total population, 2022: 241,922
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
36. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+18,327)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +15,462
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,865
> Total population, 2022: 958,958
Source: EunikaSopotnicka / iStock via Getty Images
35. Rapid City, SD
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.0% (+2,985)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,733
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +252
> Total population, 2022: 154,165
[in-text-ad]
Source: dszc / E+ via Getty Images
34. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.0% (+47,442)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +37,624
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,818
> Total population, 2022: 2,421,115
Source: Art Wager / E+ via Getty Images
33. Jacksonville, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.0% (+33,074)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +28,755
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,319
> Total population, 2022: 1,675,668
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
32. Johnson City, TN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.1% (+4,274)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,118
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +156
> Total population, 2022: 210,256
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Kasra Keighobady / iStock via Getty Images
31. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.1% (+67,504)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +54,752
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +12,752
> Total population, 2022: 3,290,730
Source: Dee / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
30. Morristown, TN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.2% (+2,586)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,501
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +85
> Total population, 2022: 121,895
[in-text-ad]
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
29. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.2% (+59,198)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +37,362
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +21,836
> Total population, 2022: 2,764,182
Source: BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images
28. Gainesville, GA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.2% (+4,570)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,232
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +338
> Total population, 2022: 212,692
Source: Cheri Alguire / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
27. Helena, MT
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.3% (+2,162)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,089
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +73
> Total population, 2022: 94,451
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Wirestock / iStock via Getty Images
26. Greeley, CO
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.4% (+8,027)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +7,536
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +491
> Total population, 2022: 350,176
Source: Althom / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
25. Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.5% (+5,990)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,784
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +206
> Total population, 2022: 246,191
[in-text-ad]
24. Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+2,650)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,560
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +90
> Total population, 2022: 105,531
23. Sherman-Denison, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+3,624)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,525
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +99
> Total population, 2022: 143,131
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
22. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+5,794)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,191
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +603
> Total population, 2022: 228,410
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
21. Lansing-East Lansing, MI
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+12,034)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +10,769
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,265
> Total population, 2022: 472,848
Source: benedek / iStock via Getty Images
20. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.7% (+16,460)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +15,445
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,015
> Total population, 2022: 630,693
[in-text-ad]
Source: ginton / iStock via Getty Images
19. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.8% (+6,137)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +6,038
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +99
> Total population, 2022: 220,816
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
18. Spartanburg, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.9% (+10,468)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,916
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +552
> Total population, 2022: 372,583
Source: Tamara528 / iStock via Getty Images
17. Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.9% (+4,778)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,471
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +307
> Total population, 2022: 167,352
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Rosie Osuna / iStock via Getty Images
16. St. George, UT
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.9% (+5,641)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,581
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +60
> Total population, 2022: 197,680
Source: negaprion / iStock via Getty Images
15. Naples-Marco Island, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.0% (+11,543)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,104
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,439
> Total population, 2022: 397,994
[in-text-ad]
Source: George Dodd / iStock via Getty Images
14. Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.0% (+7,297)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +6,982
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +315
> Total population, 2022: 246,435
24/7 Wall St.
Source: RobHainer / iStock via Getty Images
13. Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.2% (+6,451)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,918
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +533
> Total population, 2022: 210,548
Source: felixmizioznikov / iStock via Getty Images
12. Sebring, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.4% (+3,463)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,290
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +173
> Total population, 2022: 105,618
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Kruck20 / Getty Images
11. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.4% (+23,195)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +21,977
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,218
> Total population, 2022: 705,897
Source: felixmizioznikov / iStock via Getty Images
10. Port St. Lucie, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.5% (+17,784)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +16,855
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +929
> Total population, 2022: 520,710
[in-text-ad]
Source: Michael Warren / iStock via Getty Images
9. Ocala, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.6% (+14,028)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +13,496
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +532
> Total population, 2022: 396,415
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
8. Wilmington, NC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.7% (+16,235)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +15,836
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +399
> Total population, 2022: 453,722
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
7. North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.9% (+33,897)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +31,893
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,004
> Total population, 2022: 891,411
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: TriggerPhoto / iStock via Getty Images
6. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.1% (+32,422)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +29,094
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,328
> Total population, 2022: 822,453
Source: Xianghong Garrison / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
5. Homosassa Springs, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.1% (+6,551)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +6,498
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +53
> Total population, 2022: 162,529
[in-text-ad]
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
4. Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.2% (+31,955)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +29,624
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,331
> Total population, 2022: 787,404
Source: DawnDamico / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
3. Punta Gorda, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.9% (+9,523)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,232
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +291
> Total population, 2022: 202,661
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
2. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.9% (+18,097)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +17,422
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +675
> Total population, 2022: 383,101
[in-text-ad-2]
Source: Ken Badgley / Getty Images
1. Wildwood-The Villages, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +8.7% (+11,683)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +11,577
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +106
> Total population, 2022: 144,970
Smart Investors Are Quietly Loading Up on These “Dividend Legends” (Sponsored)
If you want your portfolio to pay you cash like clockwork, it’s time to stop blindly following conventional wisdom like relying on Dividend Aristocrats. There’s a better option, and we want to show you. We’re offering a brand-new report on 2 stocks we believe offer the rare combination of a high dividend yield and significant stock appreciation upside. If you’re tired of feeling one step behind in this market, this free report is a must-read for you.
Click here to download your FREE copy of “2 Dividend Legends to Hold Forever” and start improving your portfolio today.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
