Who’s Moving To and From North Carolina?
In the latest Census data (2022), North Carolina gained about 77,974 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from Florida, and the largest number leaving head to South Carolina.
Top states moving into North Carolina
- Florida 34,682
- Virginia 29,264
- South Carolina 27,316
- New York 26,351
- California 21,347
Where North Carolina residents move
- South Carolina 32,527
- Florida 25,380
- Virginia 24,509
- Georgia 17,387
- Texas 16,096
Net interstate migration: +77,974 more people moved in than out (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where North Carolina residents go: the biggest destinations are South Carolina, Florida and Virginia. The single largest stream runs to South Carolina — about 32,527 people in a year. In total, roughly 237,951 residents left North Carolina for another state, versus about 315,925 who moved in.
Who moves to North Carolina: the largest inbound flows come from Florida, Virginia and South Carolina, led by Florida with about 34,682 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people come: North Carolina is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (3.99% flat) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from Florida and other high-cost states are a large part of the story.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between North Carolina and South Carolina can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare North Carolina with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving North Carolina?
- On net, no — North Carolina gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 77,974 in 2022. The most people arrive from Florida.
- Which state do most people move to from North Carolina?
- South Carolina is the top destination for people leaving North Carolina, with about 32,527 moves in the latest year, followed by Florida and Virginia.
- Which states do people move to North Carolina from?
- The largest inbound flows to North Carolina come from Florida, Virginia and South Carolina, led by Florida with about 34,682 arrivals.