In a shift not seen in decades, younger people are migrating to small towns and rural counties at rates not experienced since the 1970s. A recent analysis by Hamilton Lombard, estimates program manager of the Demographics Research Group at the University of Virginia, highlighted this trend, which upends the common assumption that people are primarily moving from one major metro area to another in search of better jobs and lower living costs.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, younger individuals—especially those between the ages of 25 and 44—are choosing smaller metropolitan areas (with populations under 250,000) and rural counties over large cities. After decades of decline, this demographic began moving to smaller areas in significant numbers starting in the early 2010s. By 2023, net domestic migration into the smallest MSAs and rural counties reached 291,400, surpassing migration rates to the largest metro areas for the first time in over 40 years.
Lombard’s analysis revealed that two-thirds of the growth in this 25-to-44 age group is now happening in metro areas with fewer than 1 million residents or in rural counties. This marks a dramatic shift from the pre-pandemic era, when 90% of this group’s growth was concentrated in metro areas with more than 4 million residents.
The movement into rural areas isn't just about seeking a quieter lifestyle; the young people migrating to these areas tend to be wealthier. This shift has transformed regions with high natural amenities, as people have prioritized quality of life and the opportunity to live in smaller, close-knit communities.
Maine: A Leading Destination for Young Migrants
One state seeing the benefits of this migration is Maine. While Maine still has the oldest median age in the U.S. at 44.8, it was the only state to see its median age decline between 2020 and 2021, a direct result of the influx of younger residents. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred much of this migration, making Maine one of the top states for inbound moves. In fact, Maine ranked first in inbound migration in 2023 and second in 2022, according to the Atlas Van Lines’ annual migration patterns study.
Amanda Rector, Maine’s state economist, attributes this shift to the state’s appeal as a lifestyle destination. "In recent years, people have come to value outdoor activity, a better work-life balance, and smaller communities," said Rector. Maine’s efforts to recruit young people to its workforce are also helping, as outlined in the state’s 10-year economic development strategy that began in 2020.
While the pandemic was a significant driver of migration to Maine, many new residents were also drawn by former connections to the state or the desire for a different lifestyle altogether. As Maine continues to attract younger people, it serves as a model for other rural and small-town areas experiencing similar demographic shifts across the country.