Cities Americans Are Flocking To

Florida had the highest increase in net migration nationwide, meaning more people moved into the state than moved out of it compared to all other states. At least two people that made the move to Florida recently aren’t happy about it. The two, employees of Disney, are suing the company, alleging it misrepresented its plans about a project that would move 2,000 jobs to the state. As a result, many employees from California moved to Florida — only for the project to be canceled.

Disney employees aside, Florida continues to attract Americans from across the country, and its cities are among the top ones growing through net migration.

To determine the cities Americans are flocking to, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population and Housing Unit Estimates program. Metropolitan statistical areas were ranked based on the percentage change in population due to net migration alone from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, and we included the top 35 cities. Data on median home value came from the Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community and figures are one-year estimates. Unemployment rates for April 2024 came from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are not seasonally adjusted.

Among the cities on the list, the population grew through net migration by 1.7% or more in one year alone. And while the U.S. population grew by 0.49% from July 2022 to July 2023, the total population growth among the cities on the list ranges from 1.2% to 4.7%.

Natural change (births minus deaths) contributed 0.15% to population growth nationwide, and immigration contributed 0.34%. In the cities on the list, natural change contributed anywhere from -1.4% (meaning it had a negative effect on population growth) to 1.2%.

Of the 35 cities that relatively attracted the most residents, a whopping 15 are in Florida, including four of the top five. Next are five cities in South Carolina. (On the flip side, also see: Cities Americans Are Abandoning in Droves.)

Several factors determine the attractiveness of a city, including subjective factors such as weather, community, and vibrancy, and more objective factors such as jobs, cost of living, and housing affordability. In the majority of the cities on the list either the unemployment rate is lower than the 3.5% national rate (in April), or the median home value is lower than the national value of $320,900 in 2022. Still, in some cities, including No. 1 — The Villages, Florida — this is not the case and these cities continues to attract residents regardless.

Why Are We Covering This

Population growth comprises both natural change — births minus deaths — and net migration (people moving in minus people moving out). While some cities manage to grow mostly through natural change, the ability to attract new residents is often a sign of a positive economic environment among other things. When more residents choose to move in, it could further grow economic conditions in the area, while also alerting localities that services might need to expand. For people considering a move, the cities on the list may be already under consideration.

35. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.69% (16,216)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +2,335; domestic: +13,881
Total population change, 2022-2023: +16,562 or +1.73% (#41 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 5.22% (#41 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.7% (Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC)
Median home value, 2022: $259,600 (Greenville-Anderson, SC)
Total population, 2023: 975,480

34. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.69% (46,794)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +29,343; domestic: +17,451
Total population change, 2022-2023: +54,916 or +1.99% (#29 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 4.64% (#51 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.2%
Median home value, 2022: $361,100
Total population, 2023: 2,817,933

33. Hinesville, GA

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.73% (1,493)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +187; domestic: +1,306
Total population change, 2022-2023: +2,490 or +2.88% (#6 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 5.28% (#39 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.1%
Median home value, 2022: $187,900
Total population, 2023: 88,804

32. Gainesville, GA

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.74% (3,698)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +671; domestic: +3,027
Total population change, 2022-2023: +4,646 or +2.19% (#22 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 5.90% (#33 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.0%
Median home value, 2022: $355,500
Total population, 2023: 217,267

31. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.77% (10,237)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +2,234; domestic: +8,003
Total population change, 2022-2023: +13,370 or +2.32% (#18 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 6.40% (#30 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 4.3% (Fayetteville, NC)
Median home value, 2022: $291,600
Total population, 2023: 590,337

30. Midland, TX

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.85% (3,274)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +731; domestic: +2,543
Total population change, 2022-2023: +5,077 or +2.86% (#7 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 1.07% (#180 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.2%
Median home value, 2022: $284,700
Total population, 2023: 182,324

29. Helena, MT

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.85% (1,750)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +61; domestic: +1,689
Total population change, 2022-2023: +1,705 or +1.81% (#39 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 7.26% (#26 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: N/A% {For metro J}
Median home value, 2022: $383,500
Total population, 2023: 96,091

28. Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.90% (4,667)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +153; domestic: +4,514
Total population change, 2022-2023: +2,851 or +1.16% (#73 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 8.42% (#20 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.4% (Prescott, AZ)
Median home value, 2022: $434,700
Total population, 2023: 249,081

27. Naples-Marco Island, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.91% (7,579)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +3,382; domestic: +4,197
Total population change, 2022-2023: +6,794 or +1.71% (#42 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 8.56% (#18 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.9% (Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL)
Median home value, 2022: $541,500
Total population, 2023: 404,310

26. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.91% (4,353)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +504; domestic: +3,849
Total population change, 2022-2023: +4,390 or +1.92% (#31 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 7.83% (#24 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.6% (Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC)
Median home value, 2022: $447,700 (Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC)
Total population, 2023: 232,523

25. Johnson City, TN

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.93% (4,062)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +248; domestic: +3,814
Total population change, 2022-2023: +2,975 or +1.42% (#58 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 4.73% (#46 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.7%
Median home value, 2022: $221,400
Total population, 2023: 213,198

24. Greeley, CO

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.94% (6,781)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +527; domestic: +6,254
Total population change, 2022-2023: +9,176 or +2.62% (#12 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 7.00% (#27 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.5% {For metro J}
Median home value, 2022: $456,100
Total population, 2023: 359,442

23. Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 1.94% (16,127)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +1,865; domestic: +14,262
Total population change, 2022-2023: +19,065 or +2.30% (#19 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 5.22% (#40 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.4%
Median home value, 2022: $363,000
Total population, 2023: 849,417

22. Jacksonville, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.04% (34,143)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +6,679; domestic: +27,464
Total population change, 2022-2023: +36,911 or +2.20% (#21 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 6.37% (#31 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.2%
Median home value, 2022: $347,000
Total population, 2023: 1,713,240

21. St. George, UT

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.12% (4,196)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +173; domestic: +4,023
Total population change, 2022-2023: +4,722 or +2.39% (#16 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 11.59% (#6 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.8%
Median home value, 2022: $528,400
Total population, 2023: 202,452

20. Morristown, TN

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.22% (2,700)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +160; domestic: +2,540
Total population change, 2022-2023: +2,227 or +1.83% (#37 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 5.70% (#35 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.8%
Median home value, 2022: $203,500
Total population, 2023: 124,054

19. Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.25% (3,761)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +465; domestic: +3,296
Total population change, 2022-2023: +2,528 or +1.51% (#53 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 9.05% (#15 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.7% (Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL)
Median home value, 2022: $344,400 (Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL)
Total population, 2023: 169,795

18. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.28% (5,033)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +81; domestic: +4,952
Total population change, 2022-2023: +2,777 or +1.26% (#68 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 8.68% (#16 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.2%
Median home value, 2022: $290,800
Total population, 2023: 223,682

17. Huntsville, AL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.29% (11,756)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +893; domestic: +10,863
Total population change, 2022-2023: +12,781 or +2.48% (#15 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 6.83% (#29 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.2%
Median home value, 2022: $292,700
Total population, 2023: 527,254

16. Sherman-Denison, TX

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.50% (3,573)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +132; domestic: +3,441
Total population change, 2022-2023: +3,709 or +2.59% (#13 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 8.59% (#17 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.4%
Median home value, 2022: $250,500
Total population, 2023: 146,907

15. North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.55% (22,777)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +2,951; domestic: +19,826
Total population change, 2022-2023: +18,387 or +2.06% (#28 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 11.26% (#10 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.3% (North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL)
Median home value, 2022: $402,600 (North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL)
Total population, 2023: 910,108

14. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.59% (16,326)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +1,440; domestic: +14,886
Total population change, 2022-2023: +13,272 or +2.10% (#25 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 8.11% (#22 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.3%
Median home value, 2022: $336,800
Total population, 2023: 643,979

13. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.72% (19,187)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +1,617; domestic: +17,570
Total population change, 2022-2023: +15,373 or +2.18% (#23 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 10.13% (#12 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.6%
Median home value, 2022: $320,200
Total population, 2023: 721,796

12. Punta Gorda, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.74% (5,549)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +492; domestic: +5,057
Total population change, 2022-2023: +3,552 or +1.75% (#40 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 14.20% (#3 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.7% {For metro J}
Median home value, 2022: $342,700
Total population, 2023: 206,134

11. Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.80% (5,907)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +749; domestic: +5,158
Total population change, 2022-2023: +5,756 or +2.73% (#11 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 8.51% (#19 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.0% (Panama City, FL)
Median home value, 2022: $312,800 (Panama City, FL)
Total population, 2023: 216,371

10. Sebring, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.85% (3,007)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +307; domestic: +2,700
Total population change, 2022-2023: +1,965 or +1.86% (#34 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 10.07% (#13 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 4.6%
Median home value, 2022: $176,900 (Sebring-Avon Park, FL)
Total population, 2023: 107,614

9. Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.88% (7,095)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +291; domestic: +6,804
Total population change, 2022-2023: +6,976 or +2.83% (#10 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 9.90% (#14 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.5%
Median home value, 2022: $304,600
Total population, 2023: 253,507

8. Spartanburg, SC

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 2.91% (10,855)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +660; domestic: +10,195
Total population change, 2022-2023: +10,640 or +2.85% (#8 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 8.30% (#21 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.8%
Median home value, 2022: $231,300
Total population, 2023: 383,327

7. Wilmington, NC

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 3.04% (13,801)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +459; domestic: +13,342
Total population change, 2022-2023: +12,947 or +2.85% (#9 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 11.37% (#9 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 2.8%
Median home value, 2022: $357,100
Total population, 2023: 467,337

6. Port St. Lucie, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 3.34% (17,415)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +1,566; domestic: +15,849
Total population change, 2022-2023: +16,028 or +3.08% (#5 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 11.39% (#8 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.6% {For metro J}
Median home value, 2022: $363,600
Total population, 2023: 536,901

5. Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 3.72% (29,364)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +3,335; domestic: +26,029
Total population change, 2022-2023: +29,948 or +3.80% (#2 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 12.96% (#5 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.9%
Median home value, 2022: $267,500
Total population, 2023: 818,330

4. Homosassa Springs, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 3.87% (6,296)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +113; domestic: +6,183
Total population change, 2022-2023: +4,188 or +2.58% (#14 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 13.26% (#4 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 4.9%
Median home value, 2022: $239,700
Total population, 2023: 166,696

3. Ocala, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 4.04% (16,015)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +848; domestic: +15,167
Total population change, 2022-2023: +13,522 or +3.41% (#4 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 11.55% (#7 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 4.0%
Median home value, 2022: $243,200
Total population, 2023: 409,959

2. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 4.10% (15,724)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +663; domestic: +15,061
Total population change, 2022-2023: +14,331 or +3.74% (#3 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 14.75% (#2 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 3.3% (Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC)
Median home value, 2022: $299,300 (Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC)
Total population, 2023: 397,478

1. Wildwood-The Villages, FL

Population change due to migration, 2022-2023: 6.07% (8,788)
Migration breakdown, 2022-2023: international: +104; domestic: +8,684
Total population change, 2022-2023: +6,798 or +4.70% (#1 fastest growth)
Population change due to migration, 2020-2023: 21.95% (#1 fastest growth)
Unemployment rate, April 2024: 4.7% (The Villages, FL)
Median home value, 2022: $367,200 (The Villages, FL)
Total population, 2023: 151,565

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