More Americans leave big cities for rural states as migration patterns shift in 2026

More Americans are choosing rural states over big cities as they relocate in 2026.

Analyzing U.S. Census migration data alongside housing market figures, self-storage software provider and data company Stora found that less populated states are attracting the highest share of new residents.

Nearly 15 million Americans moved across the country in 2025, with many opting for quieter and more affordable places to live, the company said.

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