The Carolinas Emerge as New Population Boom States

Affordability and lifestyle drive growth in North and South Carolina

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:55pm

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North Carolina attracted more new residents from other parts of the country than any other state last year, while South Carolina had the highest overall growth rate. The appeal of Florida and Texas has dimmed, as more U.S. residents prefer to move to the Carolinas for their affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life.

Why it matters

The population growth in the Carolinas signals potential changes in the nation's political landscape after the next census in 2030, with certain states gaining or losing clout in Congress and the Electoral College. It also indicates a shift in domestic migration patterns, as the U.S. population is expected to start shrinking in five years due to a decline in immigration.

The details

North Carolina's growth is credited to high-paying jobs in banking and tech, as well as the state's topographical diversity and smaller big-cities compared to Florida and Texas. South Carolina had the highest overall growth rate last year at 1.5%. Domestic migration to Texas and Florida has slowed, with more residents preferring to move to the Carolinas for their affordability and lifestyle.

  • In 2025, North Carolina attracted 84,000 new residents from other parts of the country, more than any other state.
  • In 2025, South Carolina had the highest overall growth rate at 1.5%.
  • In 2024, Texas held the title of the state with the highest domestic migration, but that distinction has now shifted to the Carolinas.

The players

Michael Cline

North Carolina state demographer who credited the state's growth to high-paying jobs in banking and tech, as well as the topographical diversity and smaller big-cities compared to Florida and Texas.

Sabrina Morley and Steven Devereaux

A couple who sold their Tampa-area house, moved out of Florida, and landed outside Valencia, Spain, citing concerns about the cost of living, food quality, and prevalence of guns in Florida.

Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida, whose press secretary noted that Florida had a significant influx of new residents during the pandemic and remains a top-ranked place to live.

Lloyd Potter

The Texas state demographer, who said that the state's economic growth is not the only factor that influences the inflow of potential migrants, as conditions outside the state also play a role.

William Frey

A Brookings demographer who said the sharp domestic migrations observed during the pandemic have now petered out, especially for Florida, at the same time that immigration is being diminished.

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What they’re saying

“North Carolina is attracting younger folks because we have so many nice areas in North Carolina — the mountains and beaches and lakes in between — that we're benefiting from younger people who decided they can work from anywhere and would rather be in a nice area.”

— Michael Cline, North Carolina state demographer (ksgf.com)

“I had a pretty good childhood, but I don't think we'd be able to give our child the same quality of life because of the cost of living, food quality, and guns have become more prevalent. We think where we are now, it's the best decision we could make to give any future children the best quality of life.”

— Steven Devereaux (ksgf.com)

“The sharp domestic migrations they observed during the pandemic have now petered out, especially for Florida, at the same time that immigration is being diminished.”

— William Frey, Brookings demographer (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The Census Bureau will release updated population data in 2030, which will determine changes in congressional representation and the Electoral College for the Carolinas and other states.

The takeaway

The population boom in the Carolinas highlights a shift in domestic migration patterns, as more Americans seek affordable housing, job opportunities, and a high quality of life outside of traditional growth hubs like Florida and Texas. This could have significant political implications in the years to come.