USA Today (01/24/12) Paul Davidson

Staffing officials and reports indicate that a moderately increasing number of Americans are moving out of state to get a job, a trend that could better match workers with positions and reduce unemployment. Many Americans have been unable to move because they cannot sell homes that have fallen in value and are worth less than their mortgages, while employers have been reluctant to pay relocation costs in an era of tighter corporate budgets.

Observers say that obstacles to mobility still exist, but are now slightly less daunting. “We’re starting to see (candidates) open up the job search to make sure they find the right position,” says Janette Marx of staffing firm Adecco. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in the 12 months ended in March, 4.8 million Americans moved to a different state, up from 4.3 million the previous 12 months. Most interstate relocations are likely job-related, says Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, adding that the increase is due to a strengthening job market that offers more out-of-state opportunities. Ryan Carfley of recruiting firm Personify says that in the past six months, more firms are paying most relocation costs after declining to do so in the downturn.