A U-Haul rental truck is seen across from a lakeside cityscape

Credit: U-Haul

Americans are moving less than ever before. Since the 1980s, the percentage of individuals that move to a different state has dropped from well over 10% to single digit metrics, says the United States Census Bureau.

Georgia, however, is working against that national trend, ranking among the top states to show the highest percentage of in-migration, according to U-Haul’s 2025 Growth Index.

Based on the 80 years of business and over 24,000 rental locations, U-Hauls touts itself as“ the authority on migration trends thanks to its expansive network that blankets all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces.”

 

Georgia is in the No. 10 spot

U-Haul lists Georgia among its top growth states, rounding out a top 10 dominated by southern and Sun Belt destinations. These rankings seem to indicate an interest in destinations with relatively warm weather and growing metro areas.

Although it is not a direct population count, a top-10 finish suggests Georgia remains an attractive option for people relocating and remains competitive in the regional draw for new residents.

The Move Buddha site focuses on making moves easier for residents and consumers, and they offer a few reasons why Georgia may be a hotspot for in-migration.

  • Ample economy opportunities
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Abundant recreational opportunities
  • Mild, temperate weather
  • Home to attractive, popular metropolitan areas

 

How the index works

The U-Haul Growth Index is based on more than 2.5 million one-way rentals in the U.S. and Canada in a given year. Analysts compare the number of trucks, trailers and U-Box containers that arrive in a state versus those that leave, then rank states by that net gain or loss.

 

Analysis of the findings:

  • Eight of the top 10 are in the South.
  • Three of the bottom 10 are in the Midwest.
  • Blue-to-red state migration continues to be a noticeable trend.
  • Seven of the top 10 currently have Republican governors.
  • Nine of the top 10 voted Republican in the most recent presidential election.
  • Nine of the bottom 10 have Democratic governors.
  • Seven of the bottom 10 voted Democratic in the most recent presidential election.

 

The top and bottom 10 growth states

The states gaining the most movers:

  • 1 - Texas
  • 2 - Florida
  • 3 - North Carolina
  • 4 - Tennessee
  • 5 - South Carolina
  • 6 - Washington
  • 7 - Arizona
  • 8 - Idaho
  • 9 - Alabama
  • 10 - Georgia

 

States losing the most movers:

  • 50 - California
  • 49 - Illinois
  • 48 - New Jersey
  • 47 - New York
  • 46 - Massachusetts
  • 45 - Maryland
  • 44 - Pennsylvania
  • 43 - Ohio
  • 42 - Connecticut
  • 41 - Michigan
  • 40 - Rhode Island

U-Haul’s data offers a look at where Americans are moving, but Georgia is a pretty safe bet, if you ask the residents. Tell me what you love about living here. Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

Tags: moving  Georgia  Politics