Support Us Button Widget

How did South Carolinians move in 2020?

Downtown Greenville

Downtown Greenville | Photo by @sonerakbas_

The events of 2020 influenced lots of our decisions – especially decisions about moving – with many people changing jobs or their jobs becoming partially or fully remote. People were definitely packing up their U-Hauls + hitting the road.

So, how did people move last year?

We took a look at United Van Lines’ National Migration Study, which shows where and also why Americans moved in the year 2020. What do those stats look like for South Carolina? If you remember back in November, we told you all about how Greenville was becoming a “Zoom Town” as people were moving to our area as a result of remote work being on the rise. But let’s take a closer look at our state’s 2020 moving patterns.

Screen Shot 2021-01-20 at 3.58.24 PM

Reasons for South Carolina moving in 2020 | Image from the United Van Lines’ National Migration Study

Let’s break it down.

Total percentage of inbound migration: 64%

Total percentage of outbound migration: 36%

Factors for migration both inbound + outbound were: retirement, health, family, lifestyle, and job, with retirement being the biggest reason for inbound movers and job being the biggest reason for outbound movers.

screen-shot-2021-01-20-at-3-58-33-pm-300x125.png

Over 30% of folks both moving to and from the state of SC in 2020 were aged 65+.

screen-shot-2021-01-20-at-3-58-47-pm-300x134.png

The highest income range for both inbound and outbound movers for SC in 2020 was an income of $150,000 or more.

According to the study, South Carolina ranks among the top inbound states alongside states like Oregon, South Dakota, and Arizona. Some states experiencing the largest exoduses were New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and California.

More from GVLtoday
Here’s how you can turn your old photos and records into a piece of Greenville history.
We think it might be time for GVL to get a flag of its own.
We’re sharing 10+ spots for watching sports in Greenville.
As “Top Chef” kicks off its filming, with plans to shoot in Greenville, alumni of the show and other fan-favorite television chefs are descending on our city for the 20th annual euphoria festival.
Directly north, east, south, and west of GVL, cities across the world await.
From Luke Bryan to The Lumineers, get your tickets to these upcoming concerts in Greenville before they sell out.
It’s been 40 years since Connie Payne had her wedding dress preserved at a Greenville dry cleaner (that has since closed). When she pulled out the dress for her daughter to try on ahead of her 2026 wedding, it wasn’t her dress.
From tailor-made clothes to craft beverages — try these experiences curated specifically to your needs.
We asked where you’d put one in GVL, and you sent in your ideas.
The bread type is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in GVL, or start making your own.