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The 2024 election may not have seen a dramatic nationwide shift, but zooming in on the county level reveals some surprising trends. This map, created by Reddit user seashellvalley760, shows which counties voted more Democratic in 2024 compared to 2020. While most of the U.S. trended red, there are scattered pockets of blue across the country—some expected, others raising eyebrows.
Utah: A Quiet but Real Shift
One of the most unexpected trends on this map is Utah. Several counties in the state saw a noticeable move toward the Democrats, which might seem odd given Utah’s deep red history. But multiple factors could be at play.
For one, Utah has a unique Republican electorate. Many voters lean toward the Mitt Romney-style conservatism rather than the Trump-centric MAGA wing. Trump’s brash style and scandals have alienated some Utah conservatives, particularly those who prioritize morality in politics. Despite this, Trump increased his vote share in Utah in 2024, indicating a complex political landscape.
Then there’s the generational shift. A former Mormon from Provo on Reddit pointed out that younger Utahns, especially those leaving the LDS Church, are moving left as a reaction to what they see as increasingly rigid religious and political conservatism. Higher education levels also play a role, as many college-educated voters lean Democratic.
Colorado, Montana, and the “Lifestyle Vote”
Colorado and parts of Montana also saw counties trend blue, and one possible reason is population movement. Over the past decade, a flood of transplants—many with more progressive views—have moved to these states for outdoor recreation, remote work opportunities, and a lower cost of living (at least compared to places like California).
One Redditor pointed out that the darkest blue areas on the map tend to be rural, scenic regions with historic small towns. These places are seeing an influx of left-leaning newcomers priced out of expensive resort areas. For example, Chaffee County, Colorado, which had the largest Democratic shift in the state, is home to Salida—an artsy mountain town that has attracted an increasing number of remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Oklahoma’s Blue Counties: A Mystery?
Oklahoma is one of the reddest states in the country, so why are a handful of its counties turning more Democratic? Unlike Colorado and Utah, it’s not because of an influx of left-leaning newcomers. In fact, many of these counties have seen population declines rather than growth.
One possible explanation is that as populations shrink, the remaining voters may be disproportionately younger or more progressive. In some cases, economic struggles in rural areas can lead to shifting political views, as voters look for policies that might bring more federal investment or economic relief.
It’s Not Always About Party Loyalty
A key thing to remember is that voting more Democratic doesn’t necessarily mean these counties are full of committed Democrats. Many voters who shifted left in 2024 may simply be anti-Trump rather than pro-Biden. The “lesser of two evils” dynamic is a huge part of American elections, and some of these shifts could reflect voters rejecting Trump rather than embracing Democratic policies.
