10.7 Million Gen Z Adults Moved States in 2024

Young Americans increasingly relocated to states offering lower costs of living throughout 2024.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Youth

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single cardboard moving box on an open road, representing the trend of Gen Z migration. — Approximately 10.7 million Gen Z adults relocated to different states in 2024, a migration driven largely by the pursuit of more affordable living conditions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Approximately 10.7 million Gen Z adults relocated to different states in 2024, representing nearly a quarter of all U.S. adults who moved that year. The migration trend was largely driven by a search for greater affordability and lower costs of living.

Why it matters

The mobility of Gen Z adults is fueled by a relative lack of established family and school ties, allowing them to pursue more financially viable living situations. This shift highlights how economic factors are fundamentally reshaping where young professionals choose to reside.

California recorded a net loss of 58,109 Gen Z residents, while South Carolina saw a net gain of 22,843 individuals. Other states facing significant net outflows included New Jersey at 37,556 and Illinois at 20,031.

The players

Gen Z

This demographic cohort consists of individuals born roughly between 1997 and 2012 who are currently entering the workforce.

The details

California saw a major exodus of young people, with 19,287 Gen Z adults moving specifically to Texas. Meanwhile, states like Illinois, Minnesota, and Massachusetts all recorded net losses of Gen Z residents as the demographic prioritized affordability.

Throughout 2024, approximately 10.7 million Gen Z adults moved to new states.

Culture Shift

The mass migration of Gen Z follows the historical migration trend of mobile age-restricted demographics seeking lower living expenses. This trend marks a shift away from traditional career hubs toward regions that offer a more sustainable cost of living for younger households.

Readers may see shifting housing demand in their own neighborhoods as states like South Carolina continue to draw high numbers of younger residents. Those considering a move can use these data points to weigh how cost-of-living differences in various states affect their long-term budgets.

The takeaway

The data suggests that affordability has become a primary driver for young adults planning their futures. Many people are choosing to leave high-cost states in favor of areas that offer more financial flexibility.