Why are Americans relocating? The data shows surprises

(Image: Getty)

Sun, 05 Oct 2025

By Mitch DanielsEconomists are paying a lot of attention these days to mobility, the rate at which Americans change residences and jobs. The historically higher US proclivity to pick up and move has been a driver of economic dynamism and growth, and a competitive edge vs. European and other less fluid societies.Although Americans are moving less often than in the past, they remain the most mobile among the populations of developed countries. Again this year, some 9% of Americans are expected to change homes, and while the total has decline...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

My Net Worth

My Net Worth: Megan Welch, Kathmandu CEO

From Crocs to Kathmandu: Megan Welch’s high-energy, say-yes approach to leadership.

Cécile Meier 5:00am

On the Money

On the Money: Kathmandu, the Warehouse, Luxon, and more

Your weekly dose of corporate fun.

Victoria Young 04 Oct 2025

On the Money: Kathmandu, the Warehouse, Luxon, and more

Opinion

Eden Bradfield: CEOs prove pay is not performance

Understanding short and long-term incentives.

Eden Bradfield 04 Oct 2025

Sponsored

Fiji’s exclusive side revealed

Private islands and 5-star luxury, closer than you think.

Tourism Fiji

Sponsored

The double edge of AI in cyber security

Artificial intelligence has the potential to become both a lifeline and a liability for modern organisations, as a revolutionary tool capable of spotting threats at lightning speed, but also the ultimate weapon in the hands of cybercriminals.

Spark