Millions of Americans are fleeing densely populated states in search of rural pastures new with one midwestern state proving most popular.
South Dakota saw the largest net migration gain last year, according to data from the US Census and self-storage software firm Stora.
The Mount Rushmore State welcomed 11,000 more residents than it lost in 2025, with many attracted by its low property prices and income-tax free living.
Experts say the trend fits with broader migration patterns across the US as Americans increasingly ditch urban cities for rural zones.
In total, almost 15 million Americans relocated to a different state over the course of the year, the analysis found.
Cost of living was cited as the leading factor behind the relocations.
About 88 percent of movers said they were seeking to save money, while 76 percent said access to outdoor amenities and rural lifestyle benefits influenced their decision.
‘Particularly among young people, there has been an upward trend in movers to rural areas driven by people seeking a better quality of life and a chance to save money,’ Stora CEO Gavin Shields told Fox News Digital.
Stora said flexible work has been the ultimate catalyst, allowing young professionals to keep their big-city salaries while trading cramped apartments for wide-open spaces and financial independence.
New migration analysis shows millions of Americans are bypassing major urban hubs and instead planting roots in some of the country’s most sparsely populated states such as South Dakota
Stora CEO Gavin Shields said remote work options has been the ultimate catalyst for young professional to move to rural areas
‘It’s no longer just about the house, but about having financial freedom, the ability to buy your own property that comes at a more affordable price, and lower cost of living,’ Shields said.
According to The Motley Fool, home prices in South Dakota remain below the national average, with the typical home valued between about $300,000 and $330,000 in 2025–2026.
Despite its relative affordability, the state has seen strong price growth in recent years.
Cities such as Sioux Falls experienced sharp increases, including a roughly 37 percent surge between 2021 and 2022, as demand accelerated.
Other states with strong net migration gains included Vermont, Nebraska, Mississippi and Alaska.
However, not all rural states experienced growth. North Dakota saw the largest net population loss, with more than 13,000 residents leaving the state.
South Dakota has emerged as the movement’s biggest winner, netting 11,000 new residents. This 4 bed 2 bath house in Pierre, South Dakota is on the market for $239,900
States with higher living costs continued to see more residents leave than arrive, with Colorado posting one of the largest net losses, along with Massachusetts and Illinois, where average home prices remain above the national average.
Shields said the expansion of remote and flexible work arrangements has contributed to the trend by allowing workers to relocate without changing jobs or salaries.
‘The rise of flexible working has been another catalyst, allowing thousands to leave their expensive city lifestyle, while still maintaining their career and salary,’ he said.
Stora was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Northern Ireland.
