Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
✔ Geographic mobility tracks how often and how far people relocate.
✔ About 25.6 million Americans moved last year, mostly within the same state.
✔ Men and women moved at similar rates, with women slightly leading.
✔ Young adults in their 20s moved the most.
✔ Never-married people moved the most; widowed the least.
✔ Lower-income groups moved less and stayed closer.
✔ Those with some college or degree moved more, often for work.
✔ Most movers were native-born; foreign-born moved more for jobs.
✔ White movers led in number, with housing as the top reason.
✔ Most moves were local, within the same county or state.
✔ People value trust, clear pricing, and service in movers.
✔ Early planning and organized packing are key prep steps.
Every year, millions of Americans relocate—some stay nearby, others move across states or even from abroad. What’s behind all this movement, and who’s doing it?
The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau offers some clear answers. It breaks down mobility by age, income, and family status, helping us understand how different groups experience life changes, opportunities, and challenges.
Here are some of the most interesting 2023 takeaways about who’s moving—and why.
What Is Geographic Mobility?
Geographic mobility refers to the movement of people from one residence to another within a defined period—typically the past 12 months. The U.S. Census Bureau tracks this movement to understand demographic shifts, economic health, and social trends. The primary dataset is derived from the Current Population Survey (CPS) and American Community Survey (ACS).
The most recent data (2023) provides a detailed snapshot of who moved, how far they went, and what their demographic profile looks like.
The Big Picture: How Many Americans Moved?
Out of 327.2 million people aged one year or older in the United States:
- 256 million remained in the same residence.
- 25.6 million people moved, representing a mobility rate of 7.8%.
Among the movers:
- 24.3 million moved within the U.S.
- 1.3 million moved from abroad
By Sex
Group | Total Movers | Family Reasons | Employment Reasons | Housing Reasons | Other Reasons |
Male | 12,705,000 | 2,874,000 | 2,800,000 | 5,218,000 | 1,813,000 |
Female | 12,919,000 | 2,948,000 | 2,572,000 | 5,371,000 | 2,028,000 |
- Men and women moved at nearly equal rates, with 12.7 million males and 12.9 million females.
- Males were slightly more likely to move for employment, while females had higher totals for housing and family-related reasons.
Age Group
Age Group | Total Movers | Family Reasons | Employment Reasons | Housing Reasons | Other Reasons |
1–15 years | 4,624,000 | 1,077,000 | 945,000 | 2,170,000 | 433,000 |
16–19 years | 1,226,000 | 374,000 | 150,000 | 485,000 | 216,000 |
20–29 years | 8,168,000 | 1,833,000 | 1,856,000 | 2,888,000 | 1,591,000 |
30–44 years | 5,902,000 | 1,272,000 | 1,295,000 | 2,596,000 | 739,000 |
45+ years | 5,704,000 | 1,265,000 | 1,127,000 | 2,450,000 | 862,000 |
- Young adults (20–29 years) are the most mobile, with 8.17 million movers, driven by housing and employment factors.
- Children (1–15 years) had 4.62 million movers, often as part of family moves.
- Seniors (65+) represented the lowest age-based mover count at 1.62 million, most commonly for housing reasons.
Marital Status
Marital Status | Total Movers | Family Reasons | Employment Reasons | Housing Reasons | Other Reasons |
Married, spouse present | 7,316,000 | 1,498,000 | 1,755,000 | 3,373,000 | 690,000 |
Married, spouse absent | 480,000 | 89,000 | 168,000 | 154,000 | 68,000 |
Widowed | 593,000 | 142,000 | 85,000 | 220,000 | 147,000 |
Divorced | 1,925,000 | 516,000 | 336,000 | 716,000 | 357,000 |
Separated | 529,000 | 212,000 | 102,000 | 162,000 | 52,000 |
Never married | 10,382,000 | 2,346,000 | 2,016,000 | 3,901,000 | 2,119,000 |
- Never-married individuals represent the largest group of movers at over 10.3 million, with housing and employment as leading reasons.
- Married, spouse present movers are next highest, with 3.37 million moving for housing reasons.
- Divorced and separated individuals also show relatively high mobility, with nearly 2.5 million combined.
- Widowed individuals moved the least among the groups, with only 593,000 movers.
Poverty Status (15+ or live with a relative)
Poverty Level | Total | Family Reasons | Employment Reasons | Housing Reasons | Other Reasons |
Below 150% of poverty | 6,859,000 | 1,701,000 | 1,201,000 | 2,684,000 | 1,274,000 |
— Below 100% | 4,591,000 | 1,165,000 | 749,000 | 1,695,000 | 983,000 |
— 100% to 149% | 2,268,000 | 536,000 | 452,000 | 988,000 | 291,000 |
150% of poverty and above | 18,696,000 | 4,092,000 | 4,172,000 | 7,884,000 | 2,549,000 |
- Individuals below 150% of the poverty line moved less overall (6.86 million) but more often for housing and necessity.
- Those at or above 150% moved in much larger numbers (18.7 million) and had higher employment-related mobility.
- The deepest poverty subgroup (below 100%) had 4.59 million movers, most commonly citing housing.
Educational Attainment (25+)
Education Level | Total Movers | Family Reasons | Employment Reasons | Housing Reasons | Other Reasons |
No high school diploma | 1,358,000 | 292,000 | 200,000 | 667,000 | 199,000 |
High school graduate | 3,918,000 | 984,000 | 685,000 | 1,714,000 | 535,000 |
Some college/AA degree | 3,837,000 | 856,000 | 769,000 | 1,650,000 | 562,000 |
Bachelor’s degree | 4,057,000 | 798,000 | 941,000 | 1,715,000 | 604,000 |
Advanced degree | 2,562,000 | 514,000 | 806,000 | 911,000 | 331,000 |
- People with some college or associate’s degrees moved more than other education groups, at 3.84 million total.
- Bachelor’s and advanced degree holders were more likely to move for employment-related reasons.
- Movers without a high school diploma had the lowest totals at 1.36 million.
By Nativity
Group | Total Movers | Family Reasons | Employment Reasons | Housing Reasons | Other Reasons |
Native-born | 20,887,000 | 4,839,000 | 4,314,000 | 8,726,000 | 3,009,000 |
Foreign-born | 4,737,000 | 982,000 | 1,059,000 | 1,864,000 | 832,000 |
— Naturalized | 1,281,000 | 297,000 | 240,000 | 589,000 | 155,000 |
— Not U.S. citizen | 3,456,000 | 686,000 | 819,000 | 1,275,000 | 677,000 |
- Native-born movers dominated, at 20.9 million, most frequently for housing and family.
- Foreign-born movers numbered 4.74 million, with strong representation in employment and housing.
- Among foreign-born movers, naturalized citizens moved less often than non-citizens (1.28M vs. 3.46M).
By Race & Hispanic Origin
Group | Total | Family Reasons | Employment Reasons | Housing Reasons | Other Reasons |
White alone | 18,579,000 | 4,276,000 | 3,936,000 | 7,647,000 | 2,720,000 |
Black or African American alone | 3,830,000 | 929,000 | 654,000 | 1,682,000 | 565,000 |
Asian alone | 1,953,000 | 302,000 | 513,000 | 745,000 | 392,000 |
Hispanic (any race) | 5,607,000 | 1,125,000 | 1,246,000 | 2,459,000 | 777,000 |
- White alone accounted for the largest share of movers at 18.6 million, with nearly 7.65 million citing housing.
- Black or African American alone movers totaled 3.83 million, mainly moving for housing and family reasons.
- Hispanic movers numbered 5.6 million, with reasons more evenly split across housing, family, and employment.
How Far Are People Moving?
Of the 24.3 million of those who moved within the US:
- 19.8 million moved within the same state
- 13.8 million moved within the same county
- 6 million moved to a different county in the same state
- 13.8 million moved within the same county
- 4.5 million moved to a different state
- 1.5 million moved within the same division (e.g., East North Central)
- 733,000 moved within the same region (e.g., Midwest)
- 2.25 million moved to a different region entirely
- 1.5 million moved within the same division (e.g., East North Central)
- 1.3 million moved from abroad
What People Look for When Choosing a Moving Company
When selecting a moving company, most individuals prioritize reliability, affordability, and service quality. Several factors influence their decision, all centered on ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation experience.
1. Reputation and Reviews
A moving company’s reputation is often the first thing people evaluate, with most relying on reviews, personal referrals, and trusted platforms like Google or the Better Business Bureau. However, overly enthusiastic or extremely negative reviews can raise red flags, especially when they include repeated product names or sound scripted. Companies with consistently balanced, authentic reviews tend to be seen as more trustworthy and reliable.
2. Pricing and Transparency
People seek clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs. Movers who provide detailed written estimates and clearly outline what’s included in their rates tend to earn more trust. Transparency gives customers confidence in what they’re paying for and helps avoid unexpected charges later.
3. Licensing and Valuation
Legitimate credentials are essential. Customers check whether a moving company is properly licensed and valuated, especially for interstate moves. This provides peace of mind that their belongings are protected in case of damage, loss, or liability.
4. Availability and Flexibility
Scheduling is a major consideration. People prefer companies that can accommodate their ideal move date and are responsive to last-minute changes. Movers who are flexible and easy to work with are often chosen over those with rigid or limited availability.
5. Experience and Professionalism
Experience matters, especially when handling fragile or valuable items. People favor movers with a proven track record and trained staff. Professionalism is judged not just by appearance, but also by how they communicate, show up on time, and treat customers and their property.
6. Services Offered
Many customers compare moving companies based on the range of services they offer. Full-service companies that handle packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly, and storage are often preferred for the convenience they provide, especially during large or complex moves.
7. Local Expertise or Long-Distance Capability
Depending on the move, individuals consider whether a company specializes in local or long-distance relocations. Familiarity with routes, traffic patterns, and regional regulations adds efficiency and reassures customers that their move is in capable hands.
8 Tips on How People Prepare for a Move
When it comes to moving, most people follow a set of practical steps to stay organized and avoid last-minute stress. Here are some of the most common tips followed to prepare efficiently for a move:
1. Start with a Moving Timeline
Creating a schedule is one of the first things people do. A timeline helps break down the process into manageable phases—like when to start packing, when to transfer utilities, and when to confirm movers. It keeps everything on track, especially during a busy or long-distance move.
2. Declutter Before Packing
Instead of taking everything, most individuals use the move as a chance to downsize, sorting through closets, cabinets, and storage to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This not only makes packing easier and more efficient but also supports emotional well-being—research from the University of Connecticut shows that reducing clutter can lower stress and increase feelings of happiness, calm, and confidence during transitions like moving.
3. Gather Supplies Early
Rather than scrambling at the last minute, people gather all moving supplies in advance—boxes, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Having everything on hand avoids interruptions and lets them pack at their own pace.
4. Pack by Priority and Room
Packing starts with non-essential items like decor, off-season clothes, and books. Boxes are labeled with the room name and contents to make unpacking simpler. Many also prepare a clearly marked essentials box with daily necessities they’ll need right away in the new home.
5. Book a Reputable Moving Company
People usually get quotes from several companies, check reviews, and verify licensing before choosing a mover. Once booked, they stay in communication with the company to confirm details, timing, and any special requirements ahead of moving day.
6. Notify Utilities and Update Addresses
One important step is notifying utility providers, internet companies, and financial institutions about the move. Most also submit a change-of-address form with the USPS and update their information for subscriptions, medical records, and driver’s licenses.
7. Prepare the New Place if Possible
If access is available, people often clean the new home in advance and take measurements to plan furniture placement. Knowing where everything will go makes move-in day more efficient and avoids rearranging heavy items later.
8. Do Final Checks Before the Truck Arrives
Right before the move, it’s common to do a full sweep of the home to check for overlooked items in closets, cabinets, and basements. Appliances are unplugged and secured, fragile items are double-checked, and floors are sometimes covered to prevent damage during the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently do Americans move?
Most Americans relocate several times throughout their lives, with the majority of moves occurring during early adulthood. Between the ages of 18 and 45, the average person will move five to six times. After age 45, that number typically drops to just two or three more moves. Mobility tends to slow as people settle into long-term careers, homeownership, or retirement.
What month do most people move houses?
Moving companies see a significant surge in bookings during the summer months, particularly from June through August, which collectively account for approximately 60% of all moves. This peak period is driven by several factors, including families relocating during school breaks, favorable weather conditions that make the moving process easier, and the expiration of many leases.
What is the most common age to move?
The most common age to move out of the parental home in the U.S. is 27 years old. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although many young adults reach this age without having moved out, approximately 80% of them have left their parents’ home at least once. However, independent living is increasingly delayed due to various factors such as high rents, low wages, social norms, and personal preferences. In 2023, 18% of adults aged 25 to 34 were still living with their parents, with young men (20%) being more likely than young women (15%) to stay at home
When moving, what should go first?
Packing usually begins with items that aren’t used daily. These include off-season clothes, books, holiday décor, and storage box contents. Starting with these less essential items makes the process more manageable and helps reduce last-minute stress. Essentials like toiletries, important documents, and everyday kitchenware are typically packed last.
How far in advance should you book movers?
It’s a good idea to arrange your moving company well before your planned move date—especially if you’re relocating during a busy time of year. Booking early increases your chances of getting the schedule you want, gives you more options to compare, and helps you prepare without last-minute pressure.
Make Moving Easy with Trusted Help from Murphy Moving & Storage!
Murphy Moving & Storage delivers dependable, full-service support for local and long-distance moves. From packing and transport to secure storage options, every detail is handled with professionalism and care. Backed by years of experience and top-rated service, our team ensures each relocation stays on schedule and stress-free.
Get a custom quote today and let Murphy Moving & Storage handle the heavy lifting!
