New UNH study shows young people flocking to N.H. reversing 2008-12 trend

DURHAM - A study by UNH's Carsey School of Public Policy shows that young people nationwide are moving to the Granite State reversing a trend that had accompanied the recent 2008-12 recession.

The trend could prove instrumental in ensuring that New Hampshire has the necessary workforce to populate the jobs of tomorrow, a fact not lost on Gov. Chris Sununu who issued a statement regarding the study on Thursday.

"New Hampshire has become the gold standard for the rest of the country, and families and young adults have taken notice," Gov. Sununu said in a statement on Thursday. "It's no wonder that migration to New Hampshire is up among those in their twenties and thirties."

New Hampshire received a significant net inflow of people from other U.S. states between 2013 and 2017 according to new Census Bureau estimates.

The average annual domestic migration gain was 5,900 between 2013 and 2017. In contrast, only about 100 more people moved to New Hampshire than left it for other U.S. destinations annually during and immediately following the recent recession.

The transformation was greatest among those in their 20s, who had an average annual migration gain of 1,200 between 2013 and 2017 compared to an average loss of 1,500 annually from 2008 to 2012. Among those in their 30s, the net annual migration gain nearly doubled during the same period, while the net inflow of those 40 to 49 diminished slightly, the study revealed.

As more family age adults migrated to New Hampshire, their children fueled a significant increase in the net influx of those under age 20. In contrast, among those age 50 and over, the net outflow of people from the state increased slightly.

Modest immigration from other countries at all ages supplemented the domestic migration gains analyzed here, the study said.

While the recent domestic and immigrant migration gains are both modest, the study concluded that they provide additional human and social capital to a state challenged by an aging workforce and population.

Sununu touted investments from the state that are making it a more attractive destination for young families.

"From our investments in education - starting at early childhood education and continuing through undergraduate education or workforce training - to creating a job-oriented economy that is stronger than ever: New Hampshire has become a destination for success."

During a State of the State address held at the Governor's Inn in June Sununu said New Hampshire's economic engine has boundless potential but it is important to retain and develop skilled workers who can do the job.