Reasons for Moving in the US Relocation Drivers Ranked

Demographics

PRIMARY REASONS FOR MOVING RANKED IN A PIE CHART

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Data Points

Move Reason Wanted new or better housing To establish own household New job or job transfer Other family reason For cheaper housing For easier commute Wanted to own home, not rent Change in marital status Relationship with unmarried partner Wanted better neighborhood Other housing reason Other reasons Attend/leave college Health reasons To look for work or lost job Retired Foreclosure or eviction Other job-related reason Change of climate Natural disaster 2025 Movers (percent) 14% 10% 10% 9% 9% 6% 6% 6% 5% 5% 5% 4% 3% 3% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0.4%

Date Published:

November 26, 2025

Date Updated:

November 26, 2025

Chart type:

Pie Chart

Suggested Citation:

Polygon Research. “Primary Reasons for Moving in the U.S.: 2025” Polygon Pulse – CPS Pivot (Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement via iPUMS). Scope: U.S. civilian non-institutional population age 1+ who moved in the preceding 12 months

Key Insight and Commentary

The long-standing #1 reason, “Wanted new or better housing”, has dropped to roughly 14% of all relocations, compared to 17.2% in 2021. High home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and rate/equity lock-in continue to suppress discretionary move-up buyers.

The new growth engines are necessity and life-stage triggers:

Easier commute (largest absolute gainer)
New job or job transfer
Retirement (sharpest percentage surge)
Health reasons
Relationship with unmarried partner / change in marital status

Natural disaster-driven moves rose 25% to nearly 109,000 in the latest CPS ASEC, a modest but noteworthy uptick that lenders in climate-exposed regions (Florida, California, Texas Gulf Coast, Carolinas) should monitor closely for both origination opportunities and portfolio risk.

Purchase originations are increasingly tied to employment changes, retirement transitions, health events, and new partnerships rather than traditional equity-driven upgrades. Focus marketing, product design, and geographic allocation on relocation-heavy corridors, 62+ borrowers, co-borrower programs, and job-growth metros to capture the volume that is actually moving.

From Analysis to Action

This analysis provides a clear blueprint for how to uncover meaningful market dynamics. Its true power is unleashed when you apply this same methodology to your own local markets. Because all real estate is local, this granular approach is essential for crafting precise strategies that effectively address the unique conditions of each community.

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