Study: 57.8% of Movers in Ohio Leave the State

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Ohio ranked sixth among the contiguous 48 states for outbound migration in 2019, according to United Van Lines’ National Movers Study, as 57.8% of people moving left the state. 

The most common reason for moving, the survey found was for a job, at 55.61%. In addition, 20.4% of those surveyed said they moved for family, 19.51% for retirement, 10.99% for lifestyle and 2.91% for health.

Among inbound movers, the study found the vast majority of those coming to the Buckeye State did so for work (54.65%) or family (34.01%). The largest age ranges for incoming residents was 65 and older and 35 to 44, both at 21.91%, narrowly beating out the 55 to 64 range (21.3%).  The plurality of outbound movers were ages 55 to 64 at 23.94%. 

Just over four in 10 of those moving out of the state, 42.64%, made more than $150,000. On the flip side, that income range was also the largest group of inbound movers at 36.55%, the study found.

Nationwide, Vermont saw the largest percentage of inbound moves at 74.3%. New Jersey had the highest percentage of outbound movers at 68.5%.

“Key factors like the baby boomer generation relocating upon reaching retirement age as well as states’ economic performances and housing costs drove these 2019 moving patterns,” said Michael A. Stoll, economist and professor in the department of public policy at the University of California Los Angeles. “United Van Lines’ study encompasses data consistent with the broader migration trends to western and southern regions that we’ve been seeing for several years now.”

The full report can be viewed here.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.