Counties populated with Democrats losing population

Blue counties, or those more heavily populated by Democrats, are losing residents nationwide, while those that swing conservative are gaining population, according to a Redfin study.

The national brokerage said Oct. 13 that in the first six months of 2017, 7.4 percent more people moved out of blue counties than into them. Red counties saw 1 percent more people move in than out.

In addition, purple counties, where the share of Democrats and Republicans is more balanced, reported 3.9 percent more residents moving in than out.

High housing costs in blue counties is the biggest factor contributing to the population loss, Redfin said. Nationwide, the average blue-county home costs about $360,000—roughly 62 percent more than that of homes in red counties ($223,000).

“We see a great number of residents moving to red counties where they can afford the lifestyle they want,” said Redfin Chief Economist Nela Richardson. “We see this as a sign of hope for a less-divided country, where people with differing views gain better understanding and tolerance of each other through sheer proximity.”

Redfin analyzed user search data covering more than 70 percent of the voting-age population. Counties were classified as “blue” if a Democratic candidate in 2016 won by more than 20 percentage points and vice versa for “red” counties.•