Young Americans are flocking to Missouri, new study finds
What do you think?
Has Gen Z been moving to Missouri?
New analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data found Missouri had the nation's second-largest net gain of Generation Z adults (born from 1997 to 2012) moving across state lines in 2024, trailing only South Carolina.
An estimated 52,312 Gen Z adults moved into Missouri, while 38,249 left.
"Gen Z headed to the free state of Missouri," exclaimed US Senator Eric Schmitt.
The numbers were very different in neighboring states.
Kansas recorded a net loss of 4,862 Gen Z adults, while Illinois lost 20,031 — the third-largest decline nationwide.
Illinois was the biggest source of young adults moving into Missouri while Kansas was the most common destination for those leaving Missouri.
California suffered the nation's largest net loss.
Missouri also ranked eighth nationally when net migration was measured as a percentage of its Gen Z population, at 1.7%.
