Special Report

Cities That Attracted the Most New Residents Last Year

Mikolette / E+ via Getty Images

At least 27 million Americans have relocated each year since the government began record keeping in 1948. The reasons any one person or family may decide to move are often personal. These include being closer to relatives, starting a new relationship, or needing a larger home.

However, many parts of the country offer advantages with more universal appeal, and some of these places have seen a population boom in the last year. 

Using metro area level data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program, 24/7 Wall St. identified the cities bringing in the most people. Metro areas were ranked based on the percentage change in population due to net migration from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Data was aggregated from the county level to the metropolitan level using metropolitan statistical area definitions for July 2023 from the Census Bureau.

The number of people who moved to each of the 50 metro areas on this list between July 2021 and June 2022 is larger than the number who moved out by anywhere from about 1,400 to over 128,000. In some cases, this amounted to a population increase of well over 4%, not factoring in population change from births or deaths. While domestic migration accounted for the bulk of new residents in the cities on this list, all but one have also had a net gain in international migrants as well. (Here is a look at the best U.S. cities for immigrants, according to data.) 

Some portion of Americans who move each year do so to be in a better climate, and many of the metro areas on this list have warm temperatures year-round. Of the 50 cities on this list, 39 are located in the South, including 18 in Florida alone. Meanwhile, only three cities on this list are in the Midwest and none are in the Northeast. 

Financial incentives may also be a pull factor in many of these places. Including the 18 metro areas in Florida, the four in Texas, and the three in Tennessee, over half of the cities on this list are in states that do not levy a personal income tax. (This is where Americans are paying the most in state and local taxes.)

Click here to see the cities gaining the most people.

Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images

50. Charleston-North Charleston, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.6% (+13,324)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +11,048
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,276
> Total population, 2022: 830,529

[in-text-ad]

TrongNguyen / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

49. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.6% (+128,239)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +89,734
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +38,505
> Total population, 2022: 7,943,685

peeterv / iStock via Getty Images

48. Billings, MT
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.7% (+3,128)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,828
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +300
> Total population, 2022: 190,208

SEASTOCK / iStock via Getty Images

47. Bellingham, WA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.7% (+3,865)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,342
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +523
> Total population, 2022: 230,677

[in-text-ad-2]

46. Hinesville, GA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.7% (+1,438)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,324
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +114
> Total population, 2022: 86,378

Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images

45. Raleigh-Cary, NC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.8% (+25,616)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +19,985
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,631
> Total population, 2022: 1,484,338

[in-text-ad]

tristanbnz / iStock via Getty Images

44. Coeur d’Alene, ID
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+3,338)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,390
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: -52
> Total population, 2022: 183,578

DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images

43. Sioux Falls, SD-MN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+5,448)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,137
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,311
> Total population, 2022: 299,129

SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images

42. Savannah, GA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+7,740)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +7,009
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +731
> Total population, 2022: 418,373

[in-text-ad-2]

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

41. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+5,590)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,078
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +512
> Total population, 2022: 299,786

BlazenImages / iStock via Getty Images

40. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+10,763)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,249
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,514
> Total population, 2022: 576,403

[in-text-ad]

Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images

39. Knoxville, TN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+17,646)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +16,856
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +790
> Total population, 2022: 932,245

Jeffrey Schreier / iStock via Getty Images

38. Huntsville, AL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+9,712)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,089
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +623
> Total population, 2022: 514,465

jodi4art / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

37. Tyler, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+4,595)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,359
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +236
> Total population, 2022: 241,922

[in-text-ad-2]

Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images

36. Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +1.9% (+18,327)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +15,462
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,865
> Total population, 2022: 958,958

EunikaSopotnicka / iStock via Getty Images

35. Rapid City, SD
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.0% (+2,985)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,733
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +252
> Total population, 2022: 154,165

[in-text-ad]

dszc / E+ via Getty Images

34. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.0% (+47,442)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +37,624
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,818
> Total population, 2022: 2,421,115

Art Wager / E+ via Getty Images

33. Jacksonville, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.0% (+33,074)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +28,755
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,319
> Total population, 2022: 1,675,668

DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images

32. Johnson City, TN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.1% (+4,274)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,118
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +156
> Total population, 2022: 210,256

[in-text-ad-2]

Kasra Keighobady / iStock via Getty Images

31. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.1% (+67,504)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +54,752
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +12,752
> Total population, 2022: 3,290,730

Dee / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

30. Morristown, TN
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.2% (+2,586)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,501
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +85
> Total population, 2022: 121,895

[in-text-ad]

Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images

29. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.2% (+59,198)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +37,362
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +21,836
> Total population, 2022: 2,764,182

BOB WESTON / iStock via Getty Images

28. Gainesville, GA
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.2% (+4,570)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,232
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +338
> Total population, 2022: 212,692

Cheri Alguire / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

27. Helena, MT
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.3% (+2,162)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,089
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +73
> Total population, 2022: 94,451

[in-text-ad-2]

Wirestock / iStock via Getty Images

26. Greeley, CO
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.4% (+8,027)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +7,536
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +491
> Total population, 2022: 350,176

Althom / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

25. Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.5% (+5,990)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,784
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +206
> Total population, 2022: 246,191

[in-text-ad]

24. Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+2,650)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,560
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +90
> Total population, 2022: 105,531

23. Sherman-Denison, TX
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+3,624)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,525
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +99
> Total population, 2022: 143,131

Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images

22. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+5,794)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,191
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +603
> Total population, 2022: 228,410

[in-text-ad-2]

Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images

21. Lansing-East Lansing, MI
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.6% (+12,034)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +10,769
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,265
> Total population, 2022: 472,848

benedek / iStock via Getty Images

20. Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.7% (+16,460)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +15,445
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,015
> Total population, 2022: 630,693

[in-text-ad]

ginton / iStock via Getty Images

19. Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.8% (+6,137)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +6,038
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +99
> Total population, 2022: 220,816

Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images

18. Spartanburg, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.9% (+10,468)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,916
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +552
> Total population, 2022: 372,583

Tamara528 / iStock via Getty Images

17. Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.9% (+4,778)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +4,471
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +307
> Total population, 2022: 167,352

[in-text-ad-2]

Rosie Osuna / iStock via Getty Images

16. St. George, UT
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +2.9% (+5,641)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,581
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +60
> Total population, 2022: 197,680

negaprion / iStock via Getty Images

15. Naples-Marco Island, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.0% (+11,543)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,104
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,439
> Total population, 2022: 397,994

[in-text-ad]

George Dodd / iStock via Getty Images

14. Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.0% (+7,297)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +6,982
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +315
> Total population, 2022: 246,435

RobHainer / iStock via Getty Images

13. Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.2% (+6,451)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +5,918
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +533
> Total population, 2022: 210,548

felixmizioznikov / iStock via Getty Images

12. Sebring, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.4% (+3,463)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,290
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +173
> Total population, 2022: 105,618

[in-text-ad-2]

Kruck20 / Getty Images

11. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.4% (+23,195)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +21,977
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +1,218
> Total population, 2022: 705,897

felixmizioznikov / iStock via Getty Images

10. Port St. Lucie, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.5% (+17,784)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +16,855
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +929
> Total population, 2022: 520,710

[in-text-ad]

Michael Warren / iStock via Getty Images

9. Ocala, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.6% (+14,028)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +13,496
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +532
> Total population, 2022: 396,415

DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images

8. Wilmington, NC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.7% (+16,235)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +15,836
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +399
> Total population, 2022: 453,722

Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images

7. North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +3.9% (+33,897)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +31,893
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,004
> Total population, 2022: 891,411

[in-text-ad-2]

TriggerPhoto / iStock via Getty Images

6. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.1% (+32,422)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +29,094
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +3,328
> Total population, 2022: 822,453

Xianghong Garrison / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

5. Homosassa Springs, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.1% (+6,551)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +6,498
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +53
> Total population, 2022: 162,529

[in-text-ad]

Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images

4. Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.2% (+31,955)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +29,624
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +2,331
> Total population, 2022: 787,404

DawnDamico / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

3. Punta Gorda, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.9% (+9,523)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +9,232
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +291
> Total population, 2022: 202,661

Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images

2. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +4.9% (+18,097)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +17,422
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +675
> Total population, 2022: 383,101

[in-text-ad-2]

Ken Badgley / Getty Images

1. Wildwood-The Villages, FL
> Population change due to net migration, 2021 to 2022: +8.7% (+11,683)
> Net domestic migration, 2021 to 2022: +11,577
> Net international migration, 2021 to 2022: +106
> Total population, 2022: 144,970

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.