A losing battle
Between 2016-20, more Michiganders from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties left the Pleasant Peninsula for Cook County, Illinois, than any other county in the country. Same goes for Clevelanders in Cuyahoga County, followed by metro Phoenix in Maricopa County.
Mecklenberg County, North Carolina, home of Charlotte, is a rising star in recent years.
The population of North Carolina continues to rise — growing 3.8% between 2020 and 2023. And while Florida and Texas continue to be big gainers writ larger, new leaders are emerging. Idaho’s population grew 6.8% during that time, followed by South Carolina at 4.8% and Utah at 4.47%.