But there is more than one way to answer the question, “What states are people moving to?” United Van Lines ranked Oregon first based on the percentage of qualifying interstate moves entering the state in 2025, while U-Haul ranked Texas first based on the net gain of one-way truck, trailer, and container customers.
This guide keeps those measurements separate. The main ranking uses U.S. Census Bureau net domestic migration because it measures the balance of people moving into and out of each state. We then compare those results with full-service moving data from United Van Lines and DIY moving activity from U-Haul to show where different kinds of movers are actually going.
Key Points: Where Americans Are Moving in 2026
- #1 for net domestic migration: North Carolina gained 84,064 more residents from other states than it lost between July 2024 and July 2025.
- #2: Texas gained 67,299 domestic residents.
- #3: South Carolina gained 66,622 and was also the fastest-growing state overall at 1.5%.
- United Van Lines’ top inbound state: Oregon, where 64.5% of qualifying 2025 interstate moves were inbound.
- U-Haul’s #1 growth state: Texas, followed by Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
- Florida is still attracting movers, but its domestic-migration boom has cooled: net domestic migration fell to 22,517 in the latest Census estimates, ranking eighth rather than first.
- The broader pattern: the Carolinas, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada continue to attract more domestic residents than they lose.
What States Are People Moving To the Most?
The clearest nationwide measure is net domestic migration: the number of people moving into a state from elsewhere in the United States minus the number moving out to another state.
Using the latest U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates, North Carolina now leads the country. Texas and South Carolina are close behind, while Tennessee and Arizona complete the top five.
| Rank | State | Net Domestic Migration | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina | +84,064 | Largest net gain from other U.S. states |
| 2 | Texas | +67,299 | Still a major migration destination, but gains have slowed |
| 3 | South Carolina | +66,622 | Strong migration relative to its smaller population |
| 4 | Tennessee | +42,389 | Consistent Southern destination |
| 5 | Arizona | +31,107 | Continues to attract domestic movers |
| 6 | Georgia | +27,333 | Atlanta-region growth remains important |
| 7 | Alabama | +23,358 | Now slightly ahead of Florida for domestic migration |
| 8 | Florida | +22,517 | Positive, but dramatically below pandemic-era gains |
| 9 | Idaho | +19,915 | Strong migration relative to population size |
| 10 | Nevada | +14,914 | Returns to the top tier of net-gain states |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 Population Estimates. Net domestic migration covers movement between U.S. states from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. It does not include international migration, births, or deaths.
Why Do Moving Rankings Name Different States #1?
Migration studies often look contradictory because they are measuring different groups of people.
| Source | #1 State | Measurement | Latest Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Census Bureau | North Carolina | Net domestic migration | July 2024–June 2025 |
| United Van Lines | Oregon | Inbound share of qualifying interstate household moves | 2025 |
| U-Haul | Texas | Net gain of one-way truck, trailer and U-Box customers | 2025 |
The Census measure is the best choice for answering which states gained the most residents from other states overall. United Van Lines is useful for understanding full-service household moves within its network, while U-Haul captures a much larger DIY-moving segment.
Why Are People Moving to These States?
North Carolina: The New Leader in Domestic Migration
North Carolina had the largest net domestic migration gain in the country in the latest Census estimates, adding 84,064 more residents from other states than it lost.
The state’s appeal is spread across multiple regions rather than one city. Charlotte remains a major finance and corporate center, while Raleigh, Durham, and the broader Research Triangle support technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and professional employment. Coastal and mountain communities attract another set of movers, including retirees and people with location-flexible work.
North Carolina also ranked seventh on United Van Lines’ 2025 inbound list and third on U-Haul’s Growth Index, so its momentum appears across very different mover datasets.
If North Carolina is already on your shortlist, our Best Places to Live in North Carolina guide compares individual destinations inside the state.
Texas: Still One of America’s Biggest Moving Destinations
Texas gained a net 67,299 domestic residents in the latest Census estimates, second only to North Carolina. U-Haul separately ranked Texas the #1 growth state for 2025, with arriving one-way customers accounting for 50.7% of its interstate U-Haul traffic.
Texas continues to offer several large employment centers rather than relying on one migration market. Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio attract different mixes of workers and households, and the state’s lack of an individual state income tax remains one consideration for people comparing destinations.
However, Texas is a useful example of why migration trends need updating annually. United Van Lines now classifies Texas as balanced rather than high inbound, and Census domestic-migration gains have cooled substantially from their pandemic-era highs.
South Carolina: One of the Strongest Migration Stories Per Capita
South Carolina gained 66,622 net domestic residents and was the fastest-growing state overall between July 2024 and July 2025, increasing its population by 1.5%.
It also ranks third in United Van Lines’ inbound study and fifth in U-Haul’s Growth Index. That consistency across different datasets makes South Carolina one of the clearest current migration destinations.
Charleston and Myrtle Beach provide coastal appeal, while Greenville and the Upstate offer a different combination of employment growth, smaller-city living, and access to the Blue Ridge region.
Tennessee: A Consistent Top Destination
Tennessee ranks fourth for Census net domestic migration and fourth in U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index. Nashville continues to attract residents through healthcare, entertainment, technology, professional services, and corporate employment, while Knoxville and Chattanooga offer smaller metropolitan alternatives.
Tennessee also does not levy a broad individual income tax on wages, which can matter when households compare after-tax budgets between states.
Arizona: Still Gaining Domestic Residents
Arizona gained a net 31,107 residents from other states, ranking fifth nationally. U-Haul places Arizona seventh in its 2025 Growth Index.
Phoenix remains the state’s dominant economic and migration center, while other parts of Arizona appeal to retirees, remote workers, and households prioritizing a dry climate and access to outdoor recreation.
Georgia: Atlanta Keeps the State Growing
Georgia gained 27,333 net domestic residents and nearly 99,000 residents overall between 2024 and 2025. The greater Atlanta region remains the state’s economic engine, with employment across logistics, technology, healthcare, film, finance, professional services, and corporate headquarters.
U-Haul ranks Georgia tenth among its 2025 growth states, reinforcing the broader inbound pattern.
Alabama: Quietly Moving Ahead of Florida
Alabama gained 23,358 net domestic residents in the latest Census period—slightly more than Florida. It also ranks ninth on U-Haul’s Growth Index and ninth in United Van Lines’ high-inbound ranking.
Its movement is less visible in national relocation conversations than Texas or Florida, but the newest numbers show why Alabama deserves a place in the discussion.
Florida: Still Popular, but the Migration Boom Has Slowed
Florida remains one of the largest moving markets in the country, but the latest Census numbers show a major change. Net domestic migration fell to 22,517, down from 183,646 in 2023 and 310,892 in 2022.
Florida still ranks second in U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index, showing that it continues to attract large numbers of movers even as the difference between people arriving and leaving has narrowed.
The state also added 196,680 residents overall between July 2024 and July 2025, but that number should not be confused with domestic migration. International migration and natural population change also contribute to total growth.
Retirement remains an important Florida migration story, particularly in coastal and central parts of the state. Readers researching that pattern can also see our analysis of New York to Palm Beach migration.
Idaho: Smaller Population, Strong Migration Rate
Idaho gained 19,915 net domestic residents and had the second-fastest overall population growth rate in the country at 1.4%. It also ranks eighth on U-Haul’s Growth Index and sixth on United Van Lines’ inbound list.
Boise remains the state’s largest relocation center, while access to outdoor recreation continues to differentiate Idaho from larger Sun Belt destinations.
Nevada: Back Among the Strongest Inbound States
Nevada gained 14,914 domestic residents in the latest Census estimates. United Van Lines ranks Nevada tenth among qualifying inbound states, while U-Haul moved it from 35th in 2024 to 20th in 2025.
Las Vegas dominates the state’s migration volume, but Reno and northern Nevada provide a separate economic corridor connected to logistics, manufacturing, technology, and the broader Mountain West.
Most Moved-To States According to United Van Lines
United Van Lines tells a different story because it ranks states according to the percentage of interstate household moves within its own network that are inbound.
Among states with at least 250 qualifying moves, Oregon had the highest inbound percentage in 2025 at 64.5%.
| Rank | State | Inbound Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | 64.5% |
| 2 | West Virginia | 62.1% |
| 3 | South Carolina | 60.8% |
| 4 | Delaware | 59.7% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 58.2% |
| 6 | Idaho | 57.8% |
| 7 | North Carolina | 57.8% |
| 8 | Arkansas | 57.3% |
| 9 | Alabama | 57.1% |
| 10 | Nevada | 57.0% |
United classifies a state as high inbound when at least 55% of qualifying moves are entering the state. Its study is based on household moves handled by the UniGroup network in the contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., so these percentages should not be interpreted as percentages of all Americans moving.
Oregon’s rise is real within the United dataset, but it should not be described as the state with the largest net domestic population gain. Census data place it outside the top 10 on that measure. Oregon also does levy a state personal income tax, so tax-free income should not be cited as a reason for its inbound ranking.
Top States for DIY Movers in 2025
U-Haul measures migration differently again. Its Growth Index compares arrivals and departures from more than 2.5 million annual one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box transactions.
| Rank | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | Texas |
| 2 | Florida |
| 3 | North Carolina |
| 4 | Tennessee |
| 5 | South Carolina |
| 6 | Washington |
| 7 | Arizona |
| 8 | Idaho |
| 9 | Alabama |
| 10 | Georgia |
U-Haul itself cautions that its Growth Index does not directly equal population or economic growth. It is best interpreted as a very large indicator of DIY moving activity.
What Are the Best States to Move To in 2026?
There is no single best state to move to, but the current migration data helps identify destinations worth researching. North Carolina has the strongest official domestic-migration momentum, Texas leads the U-Haul Growth Index, South Carolina combines high net migration with the fastest overall state population growth, and Oregon has the highest inbound percentage among qualifying United Van Lines moves.
For someone actively choosing a destination, the strongest option depends on what is driving the move:
- North Carolina: strongest current Census domestic-migration gain and multiple growing metro areas.
- Texas: enormous employment markets, no individual state income tax, and #1 U-Haul growth ranking.
- South Carolina: exceptionally strong migration relative to population size and the nation’s fastest overall population growth.
- Tennessee: consistent inbound performance plus Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga employment markets.
- Arizona: strong domestic migration and continued Phoenix-area growth.
- Florida: still a huge moving destination, particularly for retirees and Sun Belt relocations, although its net domestic migration has slowed sharply.
- Idaho: strong percentage population growth and continued migration into a relatively small state.
A migration ranking should be the start of the decision, not the end. Before relocating, compare housing costs, employment in your field, healthcare access, taxes, insurance, climate, schools if relevant, and the specific city or neighborhood you would actually live in.
Why Are People Moving to Different States?
The latest United Van Lines survey is a useful reminder that moving decisions are not driven by one universal factor. Among its interstate customers, 29% cited being closer to family and 26% cited a new job or company transfer as reasons for moving.
That helps explain why simplistic claims about taxes or housing cannot account for every migration pattern. Financial considerations matter, but so do family, career changes, retirement, climate, community size, and lifestyle preferences.
Housing and affordability
Housing remains a practical constraint in relocation decisions. A household may earn less after moving but still improve its financial position if housing consumes a smaller share of income. Conversely, rapid migration can push prices upward in formerly affordable destinations.
Our States Ranked by Housing Affordability comparison can help separate migration popularity from actual housing value.
Employment
Migration destinations with several employment sectors are generally easier to evaluate than places dependent on one industry. North Carolina offers finance, technology, healthcare and life sciences; Texas supports technology, energy, finance, healthcare, logistics and manufacturing; Georgia has a diversified Atlanta economy; Tennessee combines healthcare, manufacturing, professional services and entertainment.
For a dedicated comparison, see our States Ranked by Job Market Growth.
Quality of life
Climate, recreation, safety, healthcare, commute times, cultural amenities, and environmental conditions can all influence whether a move works after the boxes are unpacked. Our separate Quality of Life Rankings by State examines those factors without turning this migration article into another livability ranking.
Moving to a State Is Not the Same as Choosing a City
State migration data identifies broad destinations, but most moving decisions are really decisions between metropolitan areas and communities.
North Carolina can mean Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Asheville, or a small coastal community. Texas can mean Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or dozens of fast-growing suburbs. Florida’s Miami market is very different from Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, or retirement-oriented communities along the Gulf Coast.
That is why we keep state and city migration research separate. Once you have identified a state that fits your priorities, compare the cities inside it rather than assuming the statewide migration trend applies equally everywhere.
How We Measure Where People Are Moving
This article uses three migration datasets because each captures a different part of interstate movement.
- U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025: our primary ranking. Net domestic migration equals people moving into a state from elsewhere in the United States minus people moving out to another state. The current estimate period covers July 2024 through June 2025.
- United Van Lines 2025 National Movers Study: measures the inbound and outbound percentage of qualifying household moves handled by the UniGroup network. States need at least 250 moves to appear in its principal rankings.
- U-Haul 2025 Growth Index: ranks states according to net gains and losses of one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box customers across more than 2.5 million annual transactions.
These datasets should not be merged into one artificial score. A state can lead one ranking and appear much lower in another because the underlying mover populations and measurement methods are different.
Planning an Interstate Move?
Once you have narrowed down your destination, the next practical question is what the move itself may cost. Distance, shipment size, packing services, stairs, elevators, parking access, and the time of year can all affect an interstate moving estimate.
Use our moving cost calculator to build a planning range before requesting estimates.
Coastal Moving Services is a moving broker that arranges interstate household-goods transportation with authorized motor carriers. The assigned carrier performs the physical transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states are people moving to the most in 2026?
The latest Census estimates show North Carolina with the largest net domestic migration gain at 84,064 residents, followed by Texas at 67,299 and South Carolina at 66,622. Tennessee and Arizona complete the top five.
What is the most moved-to state?
It depends on the measurement. North Carolina leads official Census net domestic migration. Oregon has the highest inbound percentage among qualifying states in United Van Lines’ 2025 study, and Texas ranks first in U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index.
What are the top 10 states people are moving to?
By Census net domestic migration, the top 10 are North Carolina, Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Idaho, and Nevada.
What are the best states to move to in 2026?
There is no universally best state. North Carolina has the strongest current domestic-migration gain, Texas leads U-Haul’s migration ranking, and South Carolina combines strong inbound migration with the fastest overall state population growth. The best choice depends on employment, housing, taxes, healthcare, climate, family needs, and the specific city you are considering.
Is everyone still moving to Florida?
Florida continues to attract many movers, but its net domestic migration has slowed dramatically. The Census estimates a net domestic gain of 22,517 in the latest period, compared with 310,892 in 2022. Florida still ranks second on U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index.
Why is Oregon #1 in some migration rankings?
United Van Lines ranks Oregon first because 64.5% of qualifying interstate household moves handled by its network in Oregon during 2025 were inbound. That is an inbound percentage within United’s customer base, not a ranking of total U.S. domestic migration. Census data produce a different order.
Does Oregon have no state income tax?
No. Oregon has a state personal income tax. It does not have a general statewide sales tax, which is sometimes the source of confusion.
Why do U-Haul and Census migration rankings differ?
The Census estimates population migration across the country. U-Haul measures its one-way equipment customers. United Van Lines measures household moves within its own professional-moving network. Each dataset captures a different segment of migration.
Is Texas still one of the most popular states to move to?
Yes. Texas ranks second for current net domestic migration and first in U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index. However, United Van Lines now classifies Texas as balanced rather than high inbound, and Census data show that its net domestic migration gains have slowed compared with earlier in the decade.
Which state is growing the fastest?
South Carolina had the fastest overall population growth rate between July 2024 and July 2025 at 1.5%. Idaho followed at 1.4%, North Carolina at 1.3%, and Texas at 1.2%.
How much does it cost to move to another state?
There is no single nationwide price because interstate moving costs depend on shipment weight or volume, distance, packing, access conditions, additional services, and timing. Use a detailed inventory and route-specific estimate rather than assuming one national average applies to your move.
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References and Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — Vintage 2025 Population Estimates and State Migration
- U.S. Census Bureau — Vintage 2025 State Population and Components of Change Dataset
- United Van Lines — 2025 National Movers Study
- U-Haul — 2025 Growth Index
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 State-to-State Migration Flows
Last reviewed: August 15, 2026
