The ten cities that lose more population are Democrats. The Redfin agency, which has a website specializing in news about the real estate market and about migration within the country, has conducted a study on the cities that are gaining and losing more population. This is the list of cities from which citizens are fleeing:
Some of these cities are on the list of the 20 worst-run cities in the country, 18 of which have Democratic mayors. These include San Francisco, New York, Washington, Detroit and Denver. All those cities, with the exception of Boston (Massachusetts), are in states that are also governed by Democrats. These are the states of California, New York, DC, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota.
Population rises in Republican states
Looking at the list of cities that gained the most population in 2021, two characteristics are apparent. One is that they are no longer all Democratic mayors, but only four - Tampa, Phoenix, Sacramento and San Diego. The rest are independents (such as the mayor of San Antonio), or Republicans (such as the mayor of Miami). 66 of the top 100 cities by population, are governed by Democrats. And of the top 35, only 5 are not in Democratic hands.
On the other hand, 7 of the 10 cities with the highest population growth are in states governed by Republicans: Florida, Arizona and Texas. The exceptions are Las Vegas, with a Republican mayor, and the two Californian cities of Sacramento and San Diego.
Very expensive housing
Although there are several reasons that can lead a family to change cities, Redfin focuses on housing prices. The agency notes that Americans are fleeing cities where housing is more expensive, and are looking for alternative places to live.
According to Redfin economist Taylor Marr, "The typical home in San Francisco or San Jose now costs more than $1.5 million. Add in today’s 5%-plus mortgage rates and you have a sky-high monthly payment" says Taylor Marr, Redfin's deputy chief economist. In fact, a simulation of such a case at a 30-year interest rate of 5.7% means a monthly payment of $9,792.
According to Marr, "Those factors, along with more companies giving employees the permanent flexibility to work remotely, are driving a larger portion of buyers to consider homes in other parts of the country. Someone who would have to stretch beyond their budget in Los Angeles may be able to comfortably afford a home in Phoenix or San Antonio".
