Over the past few decades, why and where people actually spend their lives has changed significantly, driven by many factors including economics, social implications, and technology.
Frankly, I would have guessed that people don’t plant long-term roots as often as they have in the past. After researching whether people are relocating more frequently today than they did 30 or 40 years ago, the data shows that the answer is no.
In fact, Americans in particular are moving less often than in previous decades, marking a notable shift in those trends. If you’re like me, that is shocking!
In the mid-to-late 20th century, particularly from the 1950s through the 80s, Americans experienced high levels of geographic mobility. It wasn’t uncommon for families to move across states for job opportunities, affordable housing, or better lifestyles.
Why is that? The post-World War II economic boom, expansion of the highway system, and rise of suburban development played a huge role and encouraged people to relocate frequently. During the 1980s, for example, roughly 20% of Americans moved each year.
That said, the numbers have steadily declined. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by the early 2020s, annual mobility rates had fallen to around 8–9% — the lowest since tracking began in the late 1940s. Similar trends exist in other developed countries, where people are also staying put more than in previous years.
As noted above, several factors are behind this decline. Economically, the labor market has changed. Widespread corporate relocations and rapid job-hopping are less prevalent. Jobs today are less dependent on being in a single, physical location, especially with the rise in remote opportunities.
I would have thought this would have increased the desire to move wherever you want. If I could live anywhere I want, I’d be closer to my family, or somewhere a lot warmer! But it seems to have had the opposite effect. Now, people can stay in the same place while accessing better job opportunities online.
Housing costs have also played a part. The price of homes and rent has surged in many cities, creating financial barriers to moving. The ever-popular California and New York real estate costs make those areas much more difficult choices. Younger people, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are more likely to stay with their parents longer or delay purchasing homes, leading to fewer moves.
Social factors are influential as well. People are increasingly prioritizing community and social stability. With a greater emphasis on mental health, work-life balance, and support systems, people seem more reluctant to pick up and leave without some seriously compelling reasons.
While long-distance and interstate moves have declined, short-distance moves within the same city or county are still relatively common. People still seek better neighborhoods, schools, or more space, especially during life transitions necessitated by marriage or children.
Finally, the COVID pandemic introduced a temporary surge in moving in some regions, particularly from dense urban areas to suburban or rural locations. However, that shift was more about lifestyle adjustment than a return to higher long-term mobility.
In the end, despite the increasing digital connectivity and globalization of the modern era, people are moving less frequently than they did half a century ago.
Economic constraints, housing affordability, and changing values all play a role in the decline. We know that the modern world offers so much more flexibility than it did decades ago, but when it comes to personal and professional relocation, stability seems to be beating out mobility.
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Bob Lawrence writes weekly columns on radio leadership and business. Additionally, he serves as Market Manager for MacDonald Broadcasting in Saginaw, Michigan. He has held virtually every position in the business over his 40+ year career, from being on-air in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco to programming legendary stations including KHTR St. Louis, KITS Hot Hits and KIOI (K101) San Francisco to serving as the head of all programming for Saga Communications and working for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Before landing his current role, Bob helped lead Seven Mountains Media’s cluster in Parkersburg, WV/Marietta, OH. He can be reached by email at BGLawrence@me.com.
Bob also honed his research skills over ten years as Senior VP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture, eventually launching his own research company and serving as President/CEO of Pinnacle Media Worldwide for 15 years. Bob spent five years as VP of Programming for Saga Communications before joining New South Radio in Jackson, Mississippi as GM/Market Manager. Prior to joining Seven Mountains Media, Bob served as General Manager for the Radio Advertising Bureau, overseeing its “National Radio Talent System”.
