Ever have a candidate turn down a prime job offer because they didn’t want to relocate to your [too cold/hot/wet/dry/fill-in-the-blank] climate? Or have an employee decline a promotion because they wouldn’t move to, say, “Tornado Alley”?
Chances are, you have, because location does influence job acceptance rates—in no small part, due to weather and climate.
For some employers, location is an asset. For others, not-so-much. And, it’s a moving target. So, where do Americans want to live right now—and why? More importantly, what can employers do when they’re not in an optimal climate, but still need to recruit long-distance talent?
More than 27.3 million Americans moved in 2022. That’s 8.6% of the population, the highest percentage in more than a decade.
According to address-change requests received by the U.S. Postal Service, many appear to be heading south. The 10 states that have recently gained the largest populations are (in order of growth):
As you see, many are migrating to warmth and sun. But where are they coming from? Apparently, these 10 (often chilly) states have lost the largest percentage of residents (in order):
So, climate is one of the undisputed factors people consider when contemplating a move—and, not surprisingly, most people choose warmer weather over colder climes. But there are other factors, too.
According to research, many Americans are drawn to areas that offer a lower cost of living, including lower taxes. They’re leaving big, congested cities for smaller, less populated areas. (This explains why, although California offers a great climate, residents are fleeing its high cost of living and overcrowded freeways.)
Interestingly, about one-third of respondents in a recent survey cited the effects of climate change, like worsening wildfires and more larger, frequent hurricanes, as a reason to move.
However, work remains the #1 reason Americans move. If the job offer is appealing enough, many candidates will happily take it—regardless of rain, sleet, heat or hail.