How did North Carolinians move in 2020?

how-north-carolinians-moved-2020-avltoday

Photo by @berne182

The events of 2020 influenced lots of our decisions – including decisions about moving – with many people changing jobs or their jobs becoming partially or fully remote. People were definitely packing up their U-Hauls + hitting the road.

So, how did people move last year?

We took a look at United Van Lines’ National Migration Study, which shows where and also why Americans moved in the year 2020. What do those stats look like for North Carolina? If you remember back in October, we told you all about how Asheville was becoming a “Zoom Town” as people were moving to our area as a result of remote work being on the rise. But let’s take a closer look at our state’s 2020 moving patterns.

Screen Shot 2021-01-22 at 2.13.02 PM

Reasons for North Carolina moving in 2020 | Image from the United Van Lines’ National Migration Study

Let’s break it down.

Total percentage of inbound migration: 60.2%

Total percentage of outbound migration: 39.8%

Factors for migration both inbound + outbound were: retirement, health, family, lifestyle, and job, with job being the biggest reason for both inbound and outbound movers.

Screen Shot 2021-01-22 at 2.15.17 PM

Age ranges for North Carolina movers in 2020 | Image from the United Van Lines’ National Migration Study

Over 30% of folks both moving to NC in 2020 were aged 65+, while almost 28% of folks moving from the Tar Heel state in 2020 were aged 65+.

Screen Shot 2021-01-22 at 2.16.46 PM

Income for North Carolina movers in 2020 | Image from the United Van Lines’ National Migration Study

The highest income range for both inbound and outbound movers for NC in 2020 was an income of $150,000 or more.

According to the study, North Carolina ranks among the top inbound states alongside states like Oregon, South Dakota, and Arizona. Some states experiencing the largest exoduses were New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and California.


More from AVLtoday
Here’s what winter weather to expect this weekend.
How the once mighty tree met its demise and how scientists + activists are working to regrow its legacy from right here in Asheville.
The Asheville chef and restaurateur will face off against 15 decorated chefs in the new show hosted by Padma Lakshmi.
Urban development consulting firm HR&A Advisors will use the committee’s recommendations to create the Millennial Campus Action Plan, which will be delivered to the University for review.
Four local organizations will administer grant programs through the city’s Small Business Support Program.
The Hawaiian and Texas-style barbecue fusion spot will be featured in an episode premiering this Friday, Jan. 30 at 9 p.m.
Whether you prefer snuggling an adorable rescue animal or smashing a car in the name of cupid, everyone can find their perfect match when it comes to Valentine’s Day events in Asheville.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
From dustings to blizzards, we have a long relationship with snow here in the mountains.
Our area’s chefs and restaurateurs have been recognized with three semifinalist nominations for the coveted culinary awards.