Generation Z prefers living in big cities. Here's how many moved to Delaware recently

Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read

As older generations continue to flee big cities in search of warmer weather and lower costs of living, Generation Z trends in the opposite direction by choosing to call big cities home.

Young adults ages 18 to 24 have been moving to large cities, mostly in the northern United States, while millennials, Generation X and baby boomers have chosen to pack their bags and move toward warmer, southern areas, according to a report from Today’s Homeowner.

For the purposes of this study, those demographics were defined as: millennials (ages 24 to 44), Generation X (ages 45 to 54) and baby boomers (ages 55 to 74).

Which generation are you?: What years are Gen X? What about baby boomers? When each generation was born.

Delaware saw a net migration of 7,129 individuals move to the state based on 2021 Census data. 2,820 were Gen Z, 1,247 were millennials and 4,794 were baby boomers.

Wilmington skyline
Wilmington skyline

The Gen X population in Delaware decreased by 1,487 people moving out of the state. The Silent Generation (ages 75+) saw a decrease of 245.

Delaware has become a go-to destination due to low taxes, affordable housing, a strong job market and its proximity to nearby urban financial centers, all while offering East Coast perks.

More First State data: From cancer rates to housing instability, what this new database tells us about Delaware

Last year, Delaware ranked No. 9 among the top 10 states with recent population gains and welcomed 2,200 new families, according to Forbes.

Top cities Gen Z residents are flocking to include:

  • Washington, D.C.

  • Columbia, South Carolina

  • Boston

  • Atlanta

  • Austin, Texas

  • Nashville

  • Syracuse, New York

  • Philadelphia

  • Madison, Wisconsin

  • Tampa, Florida

Aside from Gen Z outliers taking up residence elsewhere, the states seeing the highest gains in overall population are Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona and South Carolina.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Generation Z moves to big cities; here's how Delaware fares