Texas Ranks Second in State-to-State Moves as More Than 3.4 Million Relocate Within the State
For Texans watching new neighborhoods rise, classrooms fill, and “For Sale” signs turn over quickly, new migration data helps explain why. Texas continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations in the country — not only for newcomers arriving from other states, but for residents relocating within its own borders.
According to the latest Texas Relocation Report released by Texas REALTORS®, Texas accounted for 7.8% of all state-to-state moves nationwide in 2024, ranking second only to Florida. Even more striking, Texas recorded the highest number of people who moved but stayed within their home state, with 3,414,000 residents relocating within Texas — representing 11% of Texans.
For local communities, that kind of movement matters. It affects housing supply, home values, school enrollment, infrastructure planning, and the pace of commercial growth in both large metro areas and smaller towns.
Texas Gains 73,000 Residents From Interstate Moves
The Texas Relocation Report, which analyzes 2024 migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, shows that 556,000 people moved to Texas from other states, while 483,000 Texans moved elsewhere. The result was a net gain of approximately 73,000 residents from state-to-state migration alone.
Although interstate migration declined nationally, Texas remained a top destination.
“The data reflects what Texans experience every day: opportunity and a great place to enjoy life,” said Jennifer Wauhob, Chairman of Texas Realtors. “Jobs and affordability draw people to Texas, and our strong communities make them want to stay.”
Because the report is based on the American Community Survey’s 2024 estimates, it offers one of the most comprehensive looks at how domestic migration trends are shaping the Texas housing market and broader economy.
California and Florida Remain Key Migration Partners
Even as California-to-Texas migration slowed compared to previous years, California remained the largest source of new Texans in 2024. Approximately 77,000 Californians moved to Texas, while 45,000 Texans moved to California, resulting in a net gain of about 32,000 residents.
Florida repeated as Texas’ second-largest migration partner. Texas welcomed 52,000 residents from Florida and sent 45,000 residents there, creating a net gain of roughly 7,000 people.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
At the same time, Texas experienced modest net losses to Oklahoma (-9,000), Tennessee (-5,000), and Colorado (-5,000), though these outflows did not offset the state’s overall population gains.
Why In-State Movement Tells an Even Bigger Story
While interstate migration often captures headlines, the scale of movement within Texas may have an even greater impact on local communities.
With more than 3.4 million Texans relocating within the state, neighborhoods across Texas are reshuffling. Some families are moving from urban cores to suburban developments. Others are relocating closer to new job centers, more affordable housing markets, or preferred school districts.
This internal migration can drive:
- New home construction and subdivision growth
- Increased demand for resale homes
- Expansion of retail and healthcare services
For real estate professionals, city leaders, and residents alike, these shifts help explain changing traffic patterns, new commercial projects, and evolving housing prices in communities statewide.
Texas REALTORS®, a professional membership organization representing more than 145,000 members, compiles the Texas Relocation Report as part of its broader research into Texas housing market trends. The organization regularly provides data on homebuyer activity, million-dollar home sales, quarterly market statistics, and international buying patterns — all aimed at helping Texans better understand property trends and private property rights across the state.
What This Means for Texas Communities
For homeowners, sustained population growth can support property values and long-term equity. For renters and buyers, it may signal continued competition in desirable areas. For local governments and school districts, migration data informs planning decisions that shape roads, utilities, and classrooms.
As the 2024 data shows, Texas remains one of the most mobile — and most dynamic — states in the country. Whether families are arriving from across state lines or relocating within Texas, the movement continues to redefine neighborhoods and housing markets across the Lone Star State.
For continued coverage of Texas real estate trends, migration data, and housing market insights, stay tuned for future updates.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.