Gen Z Exhibits High Interstate Mobility, Exiting High-Cost States for Affordability
A new study by LendingTree reveals that nearly one in four Gen Z adults, specifically 23.9% of the 44.6 million members over 18, moved to a different state in 2024. This mobility rate is significantly higher than any other generation, with only 14% of millennials, 7.2% of Gen Xers, and 5.2% of baby boomers making interstate moves in the same period. California experienced the largest net loss of Gen Z adults, with 58,109 more moving out than in, despite being the second-highest state for Gen Z arrivals. New Jersey followed with a net loss of 37,556. Conversely, South Carolina saw the largest net gain, attracting 22,843 more Gen Z residents than it lost. Other states with significant net gains include Missouri, Washington D.C., Tennessee, Arizona, Washington state, and Texas. This movement is largely attributed to Gen Z's pursuit of affordability and their greater flexibility due to being in an earlier life stage without as many family ties.
