Where are people moving to Manatee County from? Here are 5 key takeaways
A recent report highlights that New Yorkers led the migration into Manatee County in 2025.
The data, based on driver’s license exchanges, provides insights into migration patterns and trends in the region.
FULL STORY: Where are Manatee County transplants moving here from? Report has answers
Here are the highlights:
- In 2025, 1,332 New Yorkers exchanged their driver’s licenses in Manatee County, marking a 59% increase from pre-pandemic levels. This was the first time since 2022 that a single state topped the migration list.
- U.S. territories and other countries previously led migration numbers in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, over 1,200 exchanges from territories and other countries were recorded, more than doubling pre-pandemic averages.
- Following New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Pennsylvania were top contributors to Manatee County’s new residents. New Jersey accounted for 775 exchanges, Illinois for 699, and Pennsylvania for 662.
- Western states like Washington, Idaho, and Utah saw significant migration growth to Manatee County. Washington experienced a 115% increase, while California saw a 65% rise with 526 exchanges.
- The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee noted that these trends reflect the area’s appeal for its quality of life and climate. The region is attracting new residents from across the country, not just traditional feeder states.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Bradenton Herald newsroom. The full story in the link at the top was reported, written and edited entirely by Bradenton Herald journalists.