North Carolina recorded the second-highest net migration in the U.S. in 2024, trailing only Texas, according to a new report from Apartment List.
It highlights shifting American migration patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic, with residents leaving expensive, densely populated states for more affordable and economically stable regions.
Apartment List’s search data shows a stabilized trend in 2024, with 39% of renters searching for apartments in a new metro and 25% considering a different state. While Texas attracts newcomers from states like California, New York, and Illinois, North Carolina’s migration is primarily regional, with most new residents arriving from Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Charlotte, one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing metros, continues to see strong rental demand. Data shows 55% of local renters are searching for housing in a different metro, with Raleigh, Charleston, and Greenville as top destinations. Meanwhile, 41% of those looking for Charlotte rentals are out-of-town searchers, primarily from Raleigh, Atlanta, and New York.
The report underscores the ongoing trend of people moving from high-cost states to more affordable regions, particularly in the Southeast and Mountain West.
