Top 10 Most Popular States Americans Moved to in 2024

Millions of Americans moved out of state last year—and a very surprising state attracted the most newcomers.

The No. 1 state on the list was Arkansas, according to a new study by Atlas Van Lines, which tracked migration trends from Nov. 1, 2023 to Oct. 31, 2024.

“We have one of the lowest costs of living in America,” says Heather Keenen, owner of Heather Keenen Real Estate in Lincoln, AR. “Couple that with tax cuts and low crime rates, and we are continuing to see an influx daily.”

Keenan notes that Northwest Arkansas—particularly Bentonville, the home of Walmart’s headquarters—is seeing a significant influx of new residents.

“People are flocking to the places that have strong job markets and affordability—but also extra elbow room, fantastic food, and hospitable culture,” she says. “Here in Northwest Arkansas, we certainly have all of that going for us.”

Lower expenses are a big draw

It’s worth noting that three of the states in the top 10—Tennessee, Washington, and Alaska—do not impose a state income tax.

“I think the state of the economy was a big influencer in these decisions to relocate to states without income tax,” says Holden Andrews, founder of Helpful Home Group, a real estate investment firm. “Right now, I live in California and if I was able to get an extra 9.3% back, I would have a much bigger savings account. With prices going up for everything from groceries to gasoline, many people are seeking places where their paychecks will go further. A lower cost of living combined with job availability or remote-work flexibility in these states makes them especially enticing.”

But of course, people move for a wide variety of reasons.

Only 10% of people moved due to affordability, according to a recent study by Atlas Van Lines, which surveyed people who had relocated in the past three years. Meanwhile, 32% relocated for a new job and 25% did so to be closer to friends or family. The remaining 33% cited various factors including climate/weather, relationship changes, education, safety, retirement, or health concerns.

Top 10 states people are flocking to

Below are the 10 states with the highest rates newcomers. We list the average monthly house payment for a median-priced home in the largest metros—assuming 20% down and a 6.72% mortgage rate. We also provide the minimum household income you’d need to make when applying the 30% rule, which recommends no more than that much of a household’s income should be spent on housing.

1. Arkansas

Largest metro: Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway
Median listing price: $285,000
Monthly house payment: $1,494
Recommended household income: $59,760

2. Rhode Island

Largest metro: Providence-Warwick
Median listing price: $539,900
Monthly house payment: $2,830
Recommended household income: $113,208

3. North Carolina

Largest metro: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia
Median listing price: $428.750
Monthly house payment: $2,248
Recommended household income: $89,902

4. Washington, D.C.

Largest metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
Median listing price: $585,000
Monthly house payment: $3,067
Recommended household income: $122,665

5. Idaho

Largest metro: Boise City
Median listing price: $579,900
Monthly house payment: $3,040
Recommended household income: $121,595

6. Tennessee

Largest metro: Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin
Median listing price: $539,900
Monthly house payment: $2,830
Recommended household income: $113,208

7. Maine

Largest metro: Portland-South Portland
Median listing price: $615,000
Monthly house payment: $3,224
Recommended household income: $128,955

8. Connecticut

Largest metro: New Haven-Milford
Median listing price: $399,900
Monthly house payment: $2,096
Recommended household income: $83,852

9. Washington

Largest metro: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Median listing price: $740,000
Monthly house payment: $3,879
Recommended household income: $155,165

10. Alaska

Largest metro: Anchorage
Median listing price: $450,000
Monthly house payment: $2,359
Recommended household income: $94,357