The trend of southern states experiencing significant growth in one-way U-Haul® customers continued into 2024, with South Carolina claiming the top spot on the U-Haul Growth Index for the first time in the company’s history. Following South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee completed the list of the five leading states in terms of net customer growth. These trends reflect the ongoing migration patterns within the United States, which have shown a shift toward the Southeast and Southwest regions.
California, on the other hand, maintained its position at the bottom of the rankings, experiencing the largest net loss of do-it-yourself movers. This marks the fifth consecutive year that California has been ranked 50th on the U-Haul Growth Index, further emphasizing a significant trend of out-migration from the Golden State.
How the U-Haul Growth Index Works
The U-Haul Growth Index is an annual ranking of states based on the net gain or loss of one-way U-Haul equipment customers. These customers use U-Haul trucks, trailers, and U-Box® moving containers to relocate across the country. The index compiles data from over 2.5 million one-way transactions that occur annually, giving a clear picture of national moving trends.
“The U-Haul Growth Index has been a valuable tool for gauging where people are moving and why,” said John “J.T.” Taylor, president of U-Haul International. “It’s clear from this year’s results that there continues to be a strong migration pattern toward the Southeast and Southwest, with many people relocating for more affordable living, better job opportunities, and an improved quality of life. Out-migration is still prevalent in areas like the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast, particularly in California.”
The U-Haul Growth Index is not just about population shifts; it serves as an indicator of broader societal trends. It reflects how well states and cities are attracting and retaining residents in a competitive market for talent, jobs, and lifestyle.
South Carolina’s Ascent to the Top
South Carolina’s rise to the top of the U-Haul Growth Index is a notable shift. The Palmetto State climbed three spots in the rankings in 2024, unseating Texas, which had held the number one position for the previous three years. More than half of the movers coming to South Carolina—51.7%—were arrivals, signaling a strong appeal for people seeking new opportunities and a different lifestyle in the state.
“South Carolina has been making significant strides in economic development and quality of life improvements over the past several years,” Taylor added. “As more families evaluate the cost of living and other factors, they’re increasingly finding South Carolina to be an attractive destination for relocation.”
U-Haul’s Growth States of 2024 South Carolina Leads for the First Time
In addition to South Carolina’s rise, Texas has consistently ranked near the top of the U-Haul Growth Index. It has been in the top two states for growth since 2016, reflecting its continued success in attracting people from all over the country. Florida, another southern state, has also shown impressive results, ranking fourth or higher every year since 2015.
Declining Migration to the West Coast and Other Regions
In contrast to the growth of southern states, other regions have experienced a decline in population growth, particularly on the West Coast. California remains at the bottom of the U-Haul Growth Index, marking the fifth year in a row it has experienced the largest net loss of movers. With its high cost of living, housing prices, and taxes, California continues to face challenges in retaining its residents.
New York also saw a significant decline in 2024, ranking 47th, its lowest position in a decade. The state’s out-migration can be attributed to similar factors, including high living costs and a shifting job market that is pushing people to seek opportunities in more affordable regions.
The Rising Stars: Oklahoma, Indiana, and Maine
In terms of growth, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Maine were the biggest movers on the U-Haul Growth Index. Oklahoma experienced a remarkable 30-position increase, followed by Indiana with a rise of 19 spots and Maine with an 18-position increase. These states have seen growth in population and have become more attractive destinations due to lower costs of living and expanding job markets.
“States like Oklahoma and Indiana are benefiting from a combination of affordable living, lower taxes, and the appeal of smaller communities that offer a higher quality of life,” said Taylor. “As remote work continues to gain traction, these areas are becoming more appealing to families and individuals who don’t need to be in major urban centers.”
States Experiencing the Largest Declines
On the other end of the spectrum, several states experienced the largest declines in migration, including Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico. These states saw significant drops in their rankings, with Colorado slipping 31 positions, Nevada dropping 24, Wyoming falling 22 spots, and New Mexico losing 21.
While these declines may not correlate directly to population loss, they do indicate challenges in attracting new residents. States like Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico have been facing high housing costs, which have driven some people to move to more affordable regions. Additionally, economic conditions and job opportunities may not be as favorable as in other parts of the country.
U-Haul’s Role in Tracking Migration
U-Haul’s extensive network, spanning all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces, has made it the authority on migration trends. With more than 23,000 rental locations across North America, U-Haul has the unique ability to track migration patterns on a scale that no other company can match. By analyzing the movement of over 2.5 million one-way transactions annually, U-Haul can provide invaluable insights into the shifting patterns of American migration.
“We are able to track moving patterns like no one else in the industry,” Taylor explained. “With our expansive network, we have unparalleled access to data that reflects the real-time decisions people are making about where they live and work. Whether they are moving to a different city or a new state, U-Haul is there to support their needs with the right equipment and services.”
U-Haul’s Environmental Impact and Sustainability Efforts
In addition to tracking migration, U-Haul also remains committed to sustainability. The company’s shared-use business model, which allows customers to rent trucks and trailers rather than own them, helps reduce the overall environmental impact by limiting the number of vehicles on the road. U-Haul has also implemented several green initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
These sustainability efforts include U-Haul Adaptive Reuse, a program that repurposes existing buildings for new store locations, reducing the need for new construction. U-Haul has also made significant modifications to its trucks to improve fuel economy, further reducing emissions. Additionally, the company’s plastic Ready-To-Go Boxes® are used hundreds of times before being recycled, supporting a circular economy model.
One of U-Haul’s latest sustainability initiatives, U-Box Load Share, has earned numerous awards for providing eco-friendly solutions to the gig economy. The program allows customers to share moving containers, reducing waste and the need for new resources.
Conclusion
As migration trends continue to evolve, the U-Haul Growth Index provides valuable insights into the shifting preferences of Americans regarding where they want to live. The rise of southern and southwestern states, such as South Carolina and Texas, underscores a growing desire for affordable living and better opportunities. Meanwhile, the continued struggles of states like California and New York highlight the challenges that certain regions face in retaining residents.
U-Haul’s expansive network and commitment to sustainability make it a key player in supporting these migration trends while also promoting environmentally responsible practices. As 2025 approaches, U-Haul’s efforts to meet the needs of movers and help communities grow and thrive are more important than ever.