When a family moves from one geographic location to another, inevitably they discard, or leave behind, many items they feel are no longer needed, e.g., that old, greasy grill in the backyard is dropped off at the dump, and a new one will be purchased at the next location.

Perhaps the home they’re leaving had a fireplace, but the new one does not. That could trigger an immediate purchase when they arrive at their new abode.

The inexpensive patio furniture they bought at a Big Box store may be worn out or dated and, in any event it just doesn’t go with the style of the new home.

The rate at which North Americans move is an important indicator of sales activity for many industries. Here’s the latest data from Cheryl Russell at New Strategist Press.   

Mobility Rate Hits New Low in 2015-16

The geographic mobility rate fell to a new all-time low in 2015-16, according to the Census Bureau. Only 11.2% of U.S. residents aged one or older as of March 2016 had moved in the previous 12 months. This rate is well below the previous low of 11.5% recorded in 2013-14. Behind the decline is a fairly large drop in the percentage of renters who moved.

Among people living in owned homes, 5.1% moved from one house to another between 2015 and 2016, higher than the all-time low of 4.7% in 2010-11. Among people living in rented homes, the mobility rate fell to an all-time low of 22.9% in 2015-16.

Mobility rate of total U.S. residents
2015-16: 11.2% (all-time low)
2010-11: 11.6%
2000-01: 14.2%

Mobility rate of people in owner-occupied homes
2015-16: 5.1%
2010-11: 4.7% (all-time low)
2000-01: 7.4%

Mobility rate of people in renter-occupied homes
2015-16: 22.9% (all-time low)
2010-11: 26.1%
2000-01: 30.3%

Ed. Note: The following information adds perspective.

Mobility Rate of U.S. Residents in Other Years
2000-2001 – 14.2%
1990-1991 – 17.0%
1980-1981 – 17.2%
1970-1971 – 18.7%