Is Ohio A New Migration Destination?

The Seahawks took the Super Bowl…easily. Few commercials impressed. AI is taking over. The weather in southern California > snow that never goes away.

Let’s dive in!

We are posting regular content to Instagram (Nick | Kreg) and Facebook (Nick | Kreg) to help you and your buyers stay informed. Be sure to follow us!

Read time: ~5 minutes

Rates ended LOWER compared to last week, and volatility was HIGH. Rates are in the low-6% range for most loan types without paying discount points. Paying discount points can get you in the high 5’s.

Is Ohio A New Migration Destination?

For decades, Ohio was one of those states people quietly left.

Year after year.

From 1991 through 2022, Ohio experienced consistent domestic out-migration. More people moved out than moved in.

That may be changing.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, and originally summarized by Nick Gerli of re:venture, Ohio registered +12,000 in net domestic migration in 2025, the highest level on record by far.

That means more Americans moved to Ohio from other states than left it. Not counting international immigration. Just pure domestic relocation.

So what changed?

1. Affordability Is Pulling People In

One of the biggest drivers of migration in the U.S. right now is simple math:

People are leaving expensive states and moving somewhere they can still afford a home. Kreg and I hear from buyers moving back home to Ohio from more expensive states to be closer to family and save some $$$.

The typical home value in Ohio is around $237,000, making it the 9th cheapest state in the country.

In a world where $500k–$700k “starter homes” are normal in many metros, Ohio suddenly looks like a perfect spot for:

• First-time buyers

• Young families

• Remote workers

• Retirees downsizing

When housing costs eat less of your income, quality of life goes up. Migration tends to follow that reality.

2. The Quiet Economic Engine: Data Centers

Ohio isn’t just “cheap”, it’s becoming strategically important.

There’s been a massive wave of data center investment in the state by hyperscalers (Amazon, Google, Vultr, SoftBank, etc.). These projects bring:

• Construction jobs

• Engineering and tech roles

• Supporting service industries

• Long-term commercial development

Data centers may not be flashy, but they anchor long-term economic activity. They also tend to attract secondary businesses and workforce migration over time.

3. Is This a Trend or a One-Year Blip?

One year doesn’t make a megatrend. The real question is whether this migration shift sticks.

When affordability converges with job creation, migration tends to follow. If this trend continues, Ohio could quietly become one of the more important housing and growth stories of the next decade.

February Tends to Have the 💪 Rates

Colin Robertson, a fantastic follow on X, shared a chart detailing average interest rates by month since 1972. What we tend to notice is that the winter months (December, January and February) tend to have the lowest rates of the year relative to the balance of the calendar.

In Spring, we typically see rates at their highest point.

Why?

It could simply be price competition in a slower market. Few homes are purchased in the winter so that lower volume may give lenders a reason to be a little more competitive on pricing to keep the ship moving forward during those weaker months.

Another reason could be capital markets. Those tend to be calmer and less volatile in that late Q4-early Q1 time frame. With lower trading volume and reduced volatility, we see more stability in mortgage-backed securities, which can lead to lower mortgage rates.

Inflation data has a tendency to reverse in the beginning of the year, too. For example, consumer spending spikes at the holidays then sinks back to a more normalized pattern in January & February. Travel slows and energy consumption (like gasoline) pulls back hard after the holidays (I mean what do any of us do in the Midwest in the beginning of the year except look at snow?). Softer inflation can result in lower rates.

While never a guarantee, it does appear to be a statistical tendency over time. Buyers should simply be aware and keep tabs on their lender to find that sweet spot to lock in their rate.

Rebel 2026 - That’s a Wrap!

A year in the making, Rebel 2026 is officially in the history books. On Thursday we saw 700 people converge on Kemba Live! not knowing what to expect. What they left with was a community and clarity on how to re-think their business moving forward into the new year…and a surprise guest appearance by the queen herself Glennda Baker 🤩🤩

If you missed it, that’s okay. We will have a digital replay available shortly.

And PLEASE do yourself a favor and block off every Thursday in February of 2027 now so you don’t have any excuse to miss Rebel 2027 🔥

Instagram Reels from the Week

Two Ways We Can Help

1. Let’s collaborate – schedule a zoom meeting

2. Tough deal?  Let us help!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. Have a wonderful week!