Why are People leaving North Carolina? Residents might ask themselves, 'Why Am I Living Here?

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Many North Carolinians take immense pride in calling the state home, and for good reason—its rich history and vibrant culture make it a desirable place to live.

However, recent data shows that while many people are moving into the state, a notable number are also choosing to leave.

According to a 2023 study by United Van Lines, 39.9% of all moves involving North Carolina were outbound. But what’s causing this trend of people leaving the Tar Heel State?

Primary Reasons for Moving:

• Family: 27.2% inbound, 32.4% outbound
• Job: 24.8% inbound, 33.1% outbound
• Retirement: 19.7% inbound, 7.8% outbound
• Lifestyle: 10.1% inbound, 9.3% outbound
• Health: 5.2% inbound, 3.2% outbound
• Cost: 3.4% inbound, 0.4% outbound

Age Ranges:

• 65 or older: 36.2% inbound, 28.4% outbound
• 55 to 64: 23.7% inbound, 19.7% outbound
• 18 to 34: 10.1% inbound, 15.5% outbound

Income Levels:

• $150,000 or more: 50.6% inbound, 45.2% outbound
• $100,000 to $149,999: 22.7% inbound, 26.6% outbound

A significant portion of those leaving North Carolina are retirees, with around 29% of outbound movers aged 65 or older. Many cite job opportunities, family relocation, and lifestyle changes as their reasons for moving out.

Share your thoughts

Have you or someone you know recently left the state? What motivated your decision, or what challenges did you face while living in North Carolina? Share your experiences and insights with us in the comments below.