Young Families Are Fleeing Blue States: New Study Reveals Red State Boom

Why Are Young American Families Leaving Blue States for Red States in Record Numbers?

A major new study from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) has revealed a dramatic demographic shift across the United States: young families with children are increasingly moving from high cost blue states to more affordable red states.

Between 2019 and 2024, states that backed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election saw their total number of children under 18 rise from 43.1 million to 43.7 million. Meanwhile, blue states that supported Kamala Harris saw their under 5 population drop by 600,000, falling from 8.2 million to just 7.6 million.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Children aged 0 to 9 declined by 4.7% in blue states compared to only 1.2% in red states. Young adults aged 20 to 29 dropped 4.4% in blue states versus just 0.2% in red states.

States with cheaper housing tend to have better luck attracting or keeping parents of young children.

Housing affordability is the single biggest driver of this exodus. In New York, Washington D.C., Hawaii, and California, median mortgage costs consume between 32% and 36% of household income. These states saw declines in young children ranging from 5% to over 10%.

By contrast, Alabama and Tennessee, both Trump supporting states, have median mortgages at just 24% to 28% of income and were among the few states to see actual increases in children under 6.

The South showed the strongest growth, with a 5.6% increase in married couples with young children in red states, compared to a mere 0.2% in blue states. Idaho, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee all ended the period with 10% more married families with children under five than they started with.

Affordable Housing Drives Mass Family Migration From Liberal to Conservative States

The study noted that California, New York, and Illinois all lost married couples with young children over the same period. The IFS report recommends that blue states invest in affordable childcare and safety net programs to stem the outflow, while red states should continue to attract families by legalizing denser housing and considering state level child tax credits and paid leave initiatives.

The Crusader's Opinion

God designed the family as the foundation of civilization. It should surprise no one that families are fleeing states that tax them into oblivion, abort their children, and teach their kids to question their own biology. Meanwhile, states that still honor God, protect the unborn, and let parents keep their hard earned money are growing. This is not a coincidence. This is Providence. Build affordable homes, protect the family, honor the Lord, and the people will come. Neglect these things, and you will watch your states empty out.

Take Action

• Support family friendly housing policies in your state by contacting your state representative and asking them to support affordable housing initiatives for young families.
• If you are a young family considering a move, research states with low cost of living and strong church communities through the Institute for Family Studies.
• Donate to organizations that support families in need, including The Shepherd's Shield, which works to protect persecuted Christian communities worldwide.
• Share this study with your church community and encourage discussion about how your local congregation can support young families struggling with housing costs.
• Pray for families across America who are being forced to uproot their lives due to the cost of living, and for leaders who will prioritize policies that strengthen the family unit.