1 in 7 Americans Ready to Relocate If Their Presidential Candidate Loses

Given America’s deep divisions, the 2024 presidential election is highly polarizing. Some Americans have even expressed intentions to leave the country if their preferred candidate does not win.

In July, StorageUnits.com surveyed 1,968 U.S. citizens who plan to vote for either Vice President Harris or President Trump in the 2024 presidential election to find out how likely Americans are to move if the candidate they vote for loses. 

Our core insights:

• 15% of Harris and Trump voters say they will move if their preferred candidate loses.
• Of Harris voters, 19% say they will relocate if she loses
  • Of Harris voters considering moving, 62% are thinking about moving to a state and 74% to a country that better aligns with their political views
  • Harris voters are most concerned about increased social inequality, a federal abortion ban, the overturning of progressive rights, and a lack of gun regulation if Trump wins
• Of Trump voters, 12% say they will relocate if he loses
  • Of Trump voters considering moving, 67% are thinking about moving to a state and 60% to a country that better aligns with their political views 
  • Trump voters are most concerned about the higher cost of living and taxes if Harris wins

1 in 5 Harris Voters Are Considering Relocating if Trump Wins the Election

Overall, 19% of Harris voters say they are considering moving to a different U.S. state (62%) or country (74%) that better aligns with their political views. 

The top three states respondents are considering moving to if Trump wins the presidential election are:

• New Jersey (13%)
• California (8%)
• New York (7%)

The top three countries respondents are considering moving to if Harris does not win the presidential election are:

• Canada (38%)
• United Kingdom (16%)
• Mexico (7%)

Social inequality, abortion, and guns are top concerns for Harris voters if Trump wins

The primary reasons respondents consider moving if Harris loses and Trump wins include increased social inequality (62%), the potential for abortion to be federally banned (60%), the possibility of progressive rights being overturned (58%), and the lack of gun regulation (53%). 

Other significant concerns are increased racial inequality (53%), the reduction in healthcare access (52%), and the weakening of public education (51%). Erosion of voting rights (48%) is also noted.

“The division within the United States has become increasingly pronounced in recent years. This polarization is evident in the way people are aligning themselves with political ideologies, often to the extent of considering relocation. The reasons for this division are multifaceted, including differing views on social issues, economic policies, and governance styles. This polarization is not just a political phenomenon but also a social one, affecting how communities interact and how individuals perceive their place within the country,” says Real Estate Expert James Heartquist.

1 in 8 Trump Voters Are Considering Relocating if Harris Wins the Election

Of Trump voters, 12% of Trump say they will relocate if he loses; 67% to a state, and 60% to a country that better aligns with their political views.

The top three states respondents are considering moving to if Harris is elected are:

• Florida (15%)
• California (13%)
• Texas (9%)

The top three countries respondents are considering moving to if Trump does not win the presidential election are: 

• Canada (24%)
• The United Kingdom (13%)
• Mexico (11%)

“The stakes of the 2024 election are incredibly high. The outcome will shape the country’s direction on critical issues such as climate change, healthcare, immigration, and economic inequality. The polarization is so intense that some Americans are willing to uproot their lives to live in a place that aligns more closely with their political beliefs. This election is not just about choosing a leader but about deciding the future trajectory of the nation. The policies and decisions made by the next administration will have long-lasting impacts on various aspects of life, including the economy, social justice, and international relations,” says Heartquist.

Economy tops concerns for Trump voters if Harris wins

The primary reasons respondents consider moving if Trump loses and Harris wins include increased taxes (62%) higher costs of living (62%), and economic deterioration (55%). Other significant concerns are open border policies (49%), increased federal debt (42%), and the weakening of national security (39%). 

Additionally, respondents are worried about increased government control over private life (38%) and changes in healthcare policy (38%). 

1 in 5 Voters Contemplating a Move Have Already Rented a Storage Unit

Among those considering moving if their preferred candidate is not elected, 48% have researched getting a storage unit, and 22% have already secured a storage unit. 

“The real estate market is likely to be significantly impacted by this political migration. First, we can expect regional shifts in population as people move to states that align with their political views. This could lead to increased demand in certain areas and decreased demand in others, potentially driving up property prices in politically favorable regions. Secondly, election years often bring uncertainty, which can lead to a temporary slowdown in the real estate market. Buyers and sellers may hesitate to make significant financial decisions until the political landscape is clearer. Lastly, policy changes proposed by presidential candidates can influence market sentiment. For example, changes in tax laws or housing regulations can affect home affordability and investment decisions,” adds Heartquist.

Methodology: This report is based on data from a survey commissioned by StorageUnits.com and conducted online via Pollfish. The survey included 1,968 U.S. citizens who plan to move for either President Harris or President Trump in the 2024 presidential election. 

The survey took place on July 22, 2024 after Biden ended his re-election campaign. Respondents were instructed to provide truthful and accurate answers to all questions.