South Carolina was the fifth most popular state for people moving in in 2016, according to the annual United Van Lines study of migration in America.

The migration numbers are in and some interesting shifts in moving behavior are emerging. In 2016, the most significant trends seem to be developing with retirees and job seekers. 

This is all according to United Van Lines 2016 National Movers' Study which has tracked migration patterns annually on a state-by-state basis since 1977. For 2016, the study is based on household moves handled by United within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. This study ranks states based off the inbound and outbound percentages of total moves in each state.

“This year’s data clearly reflects retirees’ location preferences. We are seeing more retirees than ever decide to relocate, and as a result, new retirement hubs are popping up in Western states," said Michael Stoll, economist, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Interestingly enough, these retirees are leaving at such a fast pace that the movement of millennials to urban areas in the Midwest and Northeast is being overshadowed.”

According to the United Van Lines’ 40th Annual National Movers Study, South Dakota's inbound popularity outpaced all other states in 2016 with nearly 68 percent of moves being inbound. The state has been climbing the ranks in recent years, increasing inbound migration by 23 percent over the past five years.