Top States People Moved to in 2025

Moving with Precision and Purpose

For nearly 50 years, United Van Lines has tracked state-by-state migration patterns to better understand how — and why — Americans move. The United Van Lines 49^th Annual National Movers Study is based on household moves within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. States are ranked by comparing inbound and outbound moves as a percentage of total moves in each state. 

In a year when many paused before making a major change, our study can be seen as a cultural barometer. It doesn’t just track where people go; it reflects what they’re considering as they make decisions about how they want to live. And, even as the overall pace of moving slowed, the desire to “unbox” a new personal or professional beginning remained steadfast. 

People who moved in 2025 did so purposefully and thoughtfully. They sought out specific places where the lives they envisioned for themselves felt more achievable. Sometimes that resulted in a move across the country; other times, it was just far enough to make their day-to-day lives work better. 

Before we delve into the data, let’s start with a rundown of the top states people relocated to in 2025. 

Top States* People Moved to in 2025 

1. Oregon — inbound 64.5% 
2. West Virginia — inbound 62.1% 
3. South Carolina — inbound 60.8% 
4. Delaware — inbound 59.7% 
5. Minnesota — inbound 58.2% 
6. Idaho — inbound 57.8% 
7. North Carolina — inbound 57.8% 
8. Arkansas — inbound 57.3% 
9. Alabama — inbound 57.1% 
10. Nevada — inbound 57% 

*We classify states as “high inbound” when 55 percent or more of moves are into the state, “high outbound” when 55 percent or more of moves are out of the state and “balanced” when inbound and outbound move percentages are relatively even. 

The Wheres and Whys 

Of course, every state has its own positives and drawbacks, but here are some reasons the following made our Top Five. 

Oregon 

According to data released by the state, at just 0.3% Oregon had one of the smallest percentages of growth nationwide from 2023 to 2024. That said, net migration has been a key driver of this small gain in population since Oregon has one of the lowest birth rates of any state. This trend continued throughout 2025. which is why Oregon wound up in the top spot. 

Oregon’s diverse landscapes, from mountains and forests to high deserts and rivers, continue to draw people who value outdoor recreation and scenic vistas. Areas like Central and Southern Oregon have become especially attractive to newcomers seeking space and access to nature. Therefore, it’s no wonder 15.7% of those surveyed moved here to make a lifestyle change. And as always, moving closer to family was a top consideration with 42% of those under 45 citing this as their main motivator. 

Oregon’s economy continues to shift away from traditional natural-resource sectors like farming, building a growing presence in services, tech and health care. This is probably why over a third of those heading to Oregon (36.1%) did so because of their careers. Even more telling, 29% of those in our study reported an annual income of $100-150K, indicating the state offers a solid springboard for ambitious go-getters.  

West Virginia 

In the spirit of “Take me home, country roads,” West Virginia’s strong inbound migration in 2025 reflects a growing desire for affordability, breathing room and — for more than 22% of the respondents — the opportunity to be close to family and loved ones. In short, the state offers compelling motivators to improve daily life without taking on a lot of financial and lifestyle risks. 

West Virginia consistently ranks among the most affordable states in the country, particularly when it comes to housing. Lower home prices, manageable property taxes and a generally lower cost of living mean movers can be in a position to purchase their first homes sooner, lower their cost of living without sacrificing space and comfort and generally reduce financial worries. 

West Virginia’s proximity to Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Columbus, Ohio made it an appealing option for professionals wanting to lower their cost of living while remaining within reach of major metros and employers. This is reflected in our study results, which show 33.3% of movers relocated here for job-related reasons.   

South Carolina

While South Carolina’s continued inbound momentum in 2025 wasn’t unexpected, it tells a story about people seeking balance: warmth without excess, growth without chaos, and opportunity without overreach. 

As one of the states representing the overall southward migration pattern for movers, South Carolina offers more affordable housing, lower property taxes and manageable overall living costs when compared with many Northeast and West Coast states. For families, retirees and mid-career professionals, this means they can upsize their living quarters, reduce expenditures for necessities like food and utilities, and have plenty left over to enjoy the finer things in life. It’s a key reason 35.7% of those relocating here were over the age of 65, with 25.1% choosing the state as a retirement haven. Those in the 55 to 64 age bracket are right behind them at 32.2%. 

The desire to be closer to family motivated nearly 30% of all moves to The Palmetto State. This is a clear sign that movers here favored personal decisions over relocating due to a new job or job transfer (15.9%). 

Delaware 

Delaware’s inbound momentum in 2025 wasn’t about hype; it was about fit. In a year when many Americans were cautious about making major changes, Delaware represents low-risk opportunity: a stable housing market, predictable costs, access to recreational and cultural attractions and attractive tax breaks.  

Movers to The First State weren’t seeking bigger cities or rural isolation. They wanted something in between. Delaware’s mix of small cities, coastal towns and suburban communities gives the state broad appeal. It truly offers something for everyone — without sacrificing amenities, healthcare access, the walkable town centers found in cities like Wilmington, Newark and Smyna, and the recreational opportunities of Rehoboth Beach, Brandywine Creek and other outdoor attractions. 

With no sales tax, no tax on Social Security benefits and pension/retirement income exclusions, Delaware is considered one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees — and 28.6% of all movers here were for retirement purposes. It was also the most moved to state for those 65 and over (61.1%). 

Minnesota

Minnesota rates highly as a place where people move to build their next chapter. Movers weren’t necessarily seeking dramatic change; they were “unboxing” a state known for being grounded and friendly yet full of possibilities.  

For mid-career professionals, Minnesota offers a diverse and resilient economy, anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, technology, finance, education and Fortune 500 employers. In short, there’s plenty of access to opportunity without relying on a single industry — and nearly 21% of those moving to the Land of 10,000 Lakes did so for job-related reasons.  

Following the overall migration trend, being closer to family and loved ones was a deciding factor for 37.4% of those who relocated to Minnesota. Once again people’s move decisions substantially favored personal over professional factors. 

Ready to Make a Move?    

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