More Than Half of Harris Voters Want to Relocate

Our core insights:

• 54% of Harris voters say they want to relocate,
  • 10% say they definitely (5%) or probably (5%) will move
  • Higher rates of Gen Zers (66%) and women (56%) want to move
• Harris voters who want to move are motivated by concerns around a federal abortion ban, increased racial inequality, and the overturning of progressive rights
• Half of Harris voters who definitely or probably plan to relocate have taken steps to do so

54% of Harris Voters Want to Move Now That Trump Won the Election

Of Harris voters, 5% say they will definitely relocate and 5% say they probably will. Another 44% would like to move but probably (27%) or definitely (17%) won’t. Of those who would like to move but are unlikely to, personal finances, family, and community ties are what will keep them in place. 

Of those pondering or planning a move, 90% are considering moving to another country and 80% to another state. The top countries respondents are considering moving to are Canada (41%), the United Kingdom (19%), and Mexico (16%). Top states respondents are considering moving to are California (14%), New York (8%), and Colorado (8%).

Abortion, racial inequality, and the overturning of progressive rights are top concerns

The top issues driving respondents’ reasons for wanting to relocate include concerns over a potential federal ban on abortion (61%), increased racial inequality (55%), and the possibility that progressive rights may be overturned (54%). 

Additionally, respondents are worried about a reduction in healthcare access (54%) and increased social inequality (53%). A lack of gun regulation (50%), environmental deregulation (43%), and the weakening of public education (44%) are also major concerns.

“​Some Harris voters who are ​​experiencing fear, anxiety, and concern ​following the election results may elect to​ shift from a red to a blue state with friendlier LGBTQ+ and/or less restrictive abortion laws. However, there are a number of factors influencing any potential moves, such as cost of living, job availability, and housing prices,” says Realtor Jo Ann Bauer. 

“While internet searches to expat websites spiked within hours of Donald Trump being projected as the winner of the 2024 election, the reality of moving internationally to escape domestic distress is far more challenging. Yes, there may be some who decide ‘enough is enough’ and have the means to maneuver an international move, but I don’t see that having an impact on the real estate market.”

More Gen Zers Want to Move

Among generations, Gen Z is the most likely to be planning or considering a move.

“If Donald Trump issues extensive tariffs, it will initially strain the economy, likely raising interest rates. Interest rates and home prices are already out of reach for young people. If President Trump does what he says he will do, it will likely push young home buyers even further away from the reality of owning a home,” says Real Estate Brokerage Owner & Realtor Andrew Fortune.

Additionally, men are slightly more likely than women to be planning a move. However, more women than men express a desire to move but say they are unlikely to actually relocate.

Half of Respondents Planning to Move Have Taken Action

Nearly half of respondents who plan to move have taken steps toward relocating. These actions include starting to research properties online (27%), visiting or planning to visit desired moving locations to explore living options (17%), beginning to organize or downsize belongings (15%), and applying for jobs in a new location (14%). 

Additionally, 8% have consulted with a real estate agent or property manager, 9% have researched getting a storage unit, and 8% are in discussions with their current employer about a possible transfer. Meanwhile, 51% are still exploring the idea but haven’t taken concrete steps.

1 in 5 plan to relocate in the next 6 months  

When those who definitely or probably plan to move were asked when they anticipate moving, 8% say they plan to move within the next three months, and 10% within the next six months. Additionally, 22% plan to move within the next year, and 14% sometime in the next one to two years. Nearly half (46%) indicated they are unsure of the timing.

Methodology: This report is based on data from a survey commissioned by StorageUnits.com and conducted online via Pollfish on November 6, 2024. The survey included 1,837 Harris voters. Inquiries can be directed to [email protected].