El Paso County Migration Trends: Who's Moving In and How It Impacts the Housing Market
As your trusted Colorado Springs real estate experts, The Johnson Team has analyzed El Paso County's growth patterns. Our area has long been one of the fastest-growing regions in Colorado, attracting homebuyers from across the country. Let's explore where these new residents are coming from and how they're shaping our local housing market.
Where Are New Residents Moving From?
The Johnson Team's Colorado Springs real estate market analysis shows significant in-migration from several states. The top five states contributing to El Paso County's population growth are:
- Texas – 5,078 individuals
- Colorado (Other Counties) – 4,695 individuals
- California – 4,489 individuals
- Florida – 2,872 individuals
- Arizona – 2,184 individuals
Migration from Texas and California continues to be strong. This influx is influencing El Paso County home prices and demand, as many of these new residents bring higher-than-average incomes and are financially positioned to compete in the real estate market.
El Paso County Real Estate: Internal State Migration
The Johnson Team tracks detailed movement within Colorado. The top counties sending people to El Paso County include:
- Arapahoe County – 1,521 individuals
- Douglas County – 1,435 individuals
- Pueblo County – 1,131 individuals
- Denver County – 1,085 individuals
- Jefferson County – 836 individuals
Meanwhile, El Paso County residents are most likely to move to:
- Pueblo County – 1,887 individuals
- Douglas County – 1,275 individuals
- Denver County – 1,087 individuals
- Arapahoe County – 1,070 individuals
- Teller County – 736 individuals
Who's Leaving El Paso County?
While Colorado Springs continues to grow, The Johnson Team also monitors outbound migration. The top five states El Paso County residents are relocating to include:
- Texas – 4,293 individuals
- Florida – 3,160 individuals
- California – 2,203 individuals
- Arizona – 1,794 individuals
- Washington – 1,345 individuals
How Migration is Driving Local Home Prices
The Johnson Team's analysis shows that household income is one of the biggest factors influencing home prices in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas:
- New residents moving in have an average household income of $101,613
- Residents moving out have an average household income of $66,429
This means El Paso County isn't just growing in numbers—it's gaining a higher-income population. This trend contributes to strong home price stability because:
- Higher-income households can afford homes at current market prices
- More financially stable buyers mean fewer forced sales and price drops
- Stronger buyer demand supports home values, even as interest rates fluctuate
The Bigger Picture: Housing Supply & Demand
Despite rising home prices, El Paso County continues to issue new building permits to keep up with demand:
- New housing permits in the last year: 5,083
- Total housing units: 309,992
- Vacancy rate: 7.73%
Is El Paso County Still Growing?
The Johnson Team's research shows key population trends:
- In 2023, 40,585 people moved into El Paso County, while 35,508 moved out
- Between 2010 and 2023, the county grew at an average rate of 1.33% per year
- Current growth rate has slowed to 0.49%
- 95.19% of our population growth is due to natural factors (births vs. deaths)
- Only 4.81% comes from migration
Who's Moving to El Paso County?
Understanding who is moving here helps The Johnson Team explain the demand for different types of housing:
- The working-age population (ages 20–54) has increased by 4.24% – This group typically drives demand for single-family homes and townhomes
- The retirement-age population (55+) has increased by 9.69% – More retirees mean a growing demand for low-maintenance and downsized homes
The Impact on Housing, Jobs, and Schools
These migration trends have major implications for El Paso County's real estate market, economy, and infrastructure:
- Housing Demand: With strong in-migration, home prices remain stable despite rising interest rates
- Job Market: The labor force has grown 21% since 2014, outpacing the statewide increase of 16%. Unemployment rates have also improved relative to the state average
- Schools and Infrastructure: As younger families move in, school enrollments and transportation planning will need to keep up with shifting population patterns
Final Thoughts: Is El Paso County Thriving?
The Johnson Team's analysis confirms:
- More people are moving in than leaving
- The county is attracting higher-income households, which helps sustain the housing market
- The area is becoming an economic hub, with job growth and a strong housing market supporting migration trends
El Paso County continues to be a desirable place to live, with a growing population, stable home prices, and strong economic fundamentals. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in our region, understanding these migration trends can help you make a more informed decision.
Ready to explore your El Paso County real estate options? The Johnson Team is here to guide your next move in Colorado Springs.