How Often Americans Move

An estimated 18% of Americans move each year, which now translates to more than 40 million people, or 16 million families. In 1987, of the 18% of families moving, 6.6% moved to a different county and 2.8% moved to another state. In 1985, 8.3% of all homeowners in the country moved. Between 1980 and 1985, more than 40% of Americans changed homes at least once. According to a recent study, in a three-year period, half of those in the survey moved once, 24% moved twice, 14% moved three times, 6% four times and 4% six or more times. Among people in their 20s, the beginning career-building years, roughly one-third changed homes in 1986-87. In the prime career-building years of 25-29 and 30-34, 70% and 57% respectively, changed homes at least once between 1980 and 1985.