Generation Zers are choosing to move to Texas more than any other state, according to a recent report by Zillow, a national real estate marketplace.
The Lone Star State gained more than 76,000 Gen Z residents, or “zoomers,” classified by Zillow as those born between 1996 and 2004, according to a Feb. 9 report by the company, which used 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data in its analysis.
California gained the second most, as 44,000 Gen Zers moved to the Golden State, according to the data, followed by Florida, which welcomed more than 41,000.
“Gen Z movers are likely drawn to the job opportunities in these states, despite the higher costs of housing,” said Edward Berchick, a principal population scientist at Zillow, in a Feb. 9 press release.
Gen Z adults who moved to California, Washington, Colorado, or Virginia were more likely to have four-year college degrees, serve in the military, and were more likely to work in tech, Mr. Berchick said.
Overall, those classified as Gen Z chose job opportunities and sunny weather over the cost of living when moving to another state in 2022, according to the report.
Gen Z adults also migrated to other expensive states, including Washington, Colorado, and Virginia, and more than three-quarters are renting, according to Zillow.
An analysis by Zillow showed renters could expect to pay more per month to rent in California, which was about $1,856 on average, followed by Colorado at $1,594; Washington, $1,592 and Virginia at $1,440. The national average was $1,300.
Gen Z movers were less likely to move to Michigan, Maryland, and Idaho, the least-favored locations for the digital-first generation.
