U.S. migration trends: Why Americans are leaving some states and flocking to others | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

So, where the heck is everybody going? Funny you should ask.

Moving to a new home has been consistently listed as one of life’s most stressful and challenging events, often outranking divorce, job loss, or—sorry, kids—having a baby.

Sure, you’re starting a new chapter in your life, making a fresh start, and decluttering all the stuff you’ve been holding onto since forever, but there’s also a lot of stress and emotional toil involved, as you head off into the unknown.

The average American moves about 11 to 12 times in their lifetime, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, with most moves occurring during young adulthood.

The average cost of a local move—meaning under 100 miles—can range from $1,200 to $2,500. If you opt for the DIY truck rental route, you can expect to pay as low as $150 for a truck, plus the cost of gas and supplies.

If you’re going long, the average cost to move cross-country is about $4,568, but prices can range between $2,389 and $6,868, according to the home services website Angi.

Moving companies know plenty about the relocation experience, as their entire business revolves around who is going where.

United Van Lines noted a fundamental shift in American migration patterns as economic headwinds reshape where and why people move.

Image source&colon; Shutterstock

Americans on the move

While the traditional population movement from colder North and Midwest regions to the warmer South and West regions continues, American migration patterns are primarily driven by the desire to be closer to family, followed by the job market, the company, which bills itself as “America’s No. 1 Mover,” said in its 49th Annual National Movers Study.

“It is interesting to see that in general, population movement continues from North/Midwest regions to Southern states – and again top inbound locations dominated by smaller to medium-size metro areas,” Michael Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, said in a statement.

More economic analysis:

“This reflects a legacy of COVID-era preferences for lower-density living, combined with the reality that housing costs continue to drive people toward more affordable regions.”

The study found the top driver for moving interstate was wanting to be closer to family, followed by a new job or company transfer and retirement.

In 2025, the data revealed inbound migration patterns to states across Southern regions, with a few exceptions.

Oregon topped the list with the highest percentage of inbound migration at 65%, moving up from the No. 8 inbound spot in 2024, while, for the eighth consecutive year, more residents moved out of New Jersey than any other state, reporting a 62% outbound migration.

The Beaver State was cited as a leading inbound destination for job-seeking migrants with opportunities in growing tech and health care fields. West Virginia and South Carolina rounded out the top three.

The Eugene-Springfield area is also the top inbound metro statistical area with 85% inbound moves.

Springfield offers a lower cost of living than other Oregon metros, making it attractive because of its proximity to both Eugene and Portland, United said.

While the birth rate in Oregon is well below the national average, inbound migration is having a significant impact and shaping statewide population change, particularly in the metro areas.

Meanwhile, the Northeast continued to experience significant outbound migration.

Remote work a factor

New Jersey led the way in departures and has ranked among the top 10 outbound for more than 15 years.

However, United Van Lines said that 21% of inbound moves to the Garden State were movers aged 18-34, as the state is considered a “launch state” for younger families and those looking to start careers.

After New Jersey came New York and California, with Hagerstown, MD, Nassau-Suffolk, NY, and Pueblo, CO recording the highest outbound activity in United’s city data.

United said that major Southern migration magnets like Texas and Florida are now experiencing balanced migration patterns, reflecting how rising housing costs are beginning to constrain even traditionally attractive regions.

North American Van Lines said that 2025 saw significant shifts in outbound and inbound state data.

While southern states remain a predominant destination for inbound migration, the company said Idaho had the most inbound moves in 2025.

California became the top outbound state, with New Jersey a close second.

“Our data suggests Americans are deciding to relocate to mid-sized cities that are family-friendly and affordable,” North American said.

“Many working professionals still have remote jobs and can relocate from expensive cities such as Los Angeles or Washington, DC, to cities like Boise or Nashville.”

Looking into 2026, MoveBuddha said the Midwest is making a comeback—but it’s still “out” for 2026.

Instead, Americans are headed to mid-sized university towns next year, especially in the South and Southwest, the online moving price comparison platform said.

The company said Knoxville will have the highest in-to-out move ratio in 2026, as it hits those three “sweet spots” of being a mid-sized southern city anchored by the University of Tennessee.

After the Marble City came Tulsa, OK, Vancouver, WA, and Savannah, GA.