Redfin Reports Americans Are Leaving High-Risk Air Quality Areas Due to Affordability
In 2025, U.S. counties at high risk of poor air quality lost approximately 277,740 residents—less than half the net outflow seen in 2021 during peak pandemic-era migration. While concerns about air quality may play a role for some individuals, affordability appears to be the primary driver behind these relocations. Counties at high risk of poor air quality that are gaining residents include Boise, Lake Tahoe, and Palm Springs—areas known for relatively affordable housing compared to expensive coastal markets like Los Angeles, New York City, and Orange County. The migration trends reflect a broader shift in housing costs rather than solely environmental concerns. Redfin's analysis shows the net outflow from high-risk counties has declined each year since 2021 as pandemic-era relocations fade. Meanwhile, air quality remains top of mind due to increasing wildfire smoke events across multiple regions.
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Topics: air quality climate risk population migration real estate