“The increase in the number of balanced states/provinces throughout the U.S. and Canada is a promising sign that the economy could be stabilizing,” he explained.
For example, six states that were outbound-heavy in 2011 are now balanced states, including: Massachusetts, Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, Utah and Wisconsin. Also, four states that were inbound-heavy are now shifting into a more “balanced” mode: Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Griffin added that in 2012, the total number of interstate, or between states, and inter-province moves reached 73,256. In addition, regional trends show consistency over the past year with fewer significant shifts – again, signs that the U.S. economy could be finding firmer footing.
Now, there are some “unsurprising” migration factoids to report as well, with the highest number of moves occurring in California, Texas and Florida, last year. California comes in at the top with nearly 13,000 moves in 2012 but for the seventh consecutive year, Washington D.C. maintained the highest percentage of inbound moves, with 63% of all moves being inbound.
Atlas added that Nebraska and New York beat out Ohio for the highest percentage of outbound moves, with outbound moves accounting for 58% of each state’s total.
Let’s hope the portents of all that moving offers a positive indicator for our nation as 2013 gets underway.