2017 continued the trend of more Americans moving west, with the Mountain West and Pacific West regions being most popular.
In 2017, Americans on-the-move continued to head west, as the most popular areas to relocate were the Mountain and Pacific West regions, according to the United Van Lines’ 41st Annual National Movers Study.
United Van Lines has been collecting data on Americans’ migration patterns for over 40 years, answering questions about where people are moving to and from, and why?
“This year’s data reflects longer-term trends of movement to the western and southern states, especially to those where housing costs are relatively lower, climates are more temperate and job growth has been at or above the national average, among other factors,” said Michael Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“We’re also seeing continued migration to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West as young professionals and retirees leave California,” Stoll added.
Advice for clients’ insurance needs
For insurance agents and brokers, knowing where Americans are moving can help them better provide advice on their clients’ insurance needs, whether they’re going to become homeowners or renters, or add a property to their portfolio. Where and how often people are driving is another factor that may have an impact on auto insurance. For instance, if clients are moving to or out of a big city, changing their chosen mode of transportation.
United classifies states as “high inbound” if 55% or more of the moves are going into a state, “high outbound” if 55% or more moves were coming out of a state or “balanced” if the difference between inbound and outbound is negligible.
The Mountain West was the most popular destination for retirees with 1 in 4 movers indicating they chose to move to this location for retirement. Top regions attracting movers taking new jobs included the Midwest (61%) and Pacific West (59%).
United catagorized their top 10 list of states Americans moved to in 2017 by identifying the percentage of moves from out of state, as opposed to moves from within the state. For example, a move from Texas to Alabama, as opposed to a move from Birmingham, Alabama to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
