South Carolina became the most popular state to move to in 2024, according to U-Haul’s annual Growth Index.
The state overtook Texas, which had dominated the top spot for several years, signaling a notable shift in migration patterns.
U-Haul based its rankings on over 2.5 million annual one-way truck, trailer, and moving container transactions.
The company determined rankings by measuring each state’s net gain or loss of customers using its equipment.
While Texas held onto a high ranking, South Carolina secured first place with 51.7 percent of U-Haul transactions in the state involving arrivals.
U-Haul reported that Texas has consistently ranked first or second since 2016, and Florida has placed in the top four every year since 2015.
J.T. Taylor, president of U-Haul International, emphasized that the 2024 data highlights long-standing migration trends.
‘Families continue moving to the Southeast and Southwest as they prioritize cost of living, job opportunities, quality of life, and other factors,’ Taylor said.
South Carolina became the most popular state to move to, overtaking Texas, which had dominated for several years
Texas maintained a strong position, consistently ranking first or second since 2016. Florida has stayed in the top four since 2015
‘At the same time, many people are leaving the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast, especially California.’
Taylor also outlined U-Haul’s commitment to serving customers wherever they relocate.
‘We are expanding our network, rental fleet, and self-storage options to ensure we’re ready to meet moving needs in 2025,’ he said.
Migration to Southern states aligns with findings from the National Association of Realtors, which observed similar trends in 2023.
Surprisingly, only one percent of people who moved south cited weather as their reason for relocating.
Instead, 42 percent moved for housing-related reasons, 26 percent for family, and 16 percent for job opportunities.
North Carolina ranks as the third most popular state to move to, as they welcomed 126,712 new residents in 2023.
Florida and Tennessee followed closely behind the Tar Heel State.
With 51.7 percent of U-Haul transactions being arrivals, South Carolina secured the top spot
Only 1 percent cited climate as a factor for moving south, while 42 percent moved for housing reasons, 26 percent for family, and 16 percent for jobs
The Sunshine State saw a net inflow of 372,870 people last year, while 75,000 went to Tennessee, according to the report, which analyzed US Census data.
DailyMail.com recently revealed that Arkansas surprisingly attracted the most newcomers in 2024.
‘We have one of the lowest costs of living in America,’ real estate agent Heather Keenen, who is based in the state,
‘Couple that with tax cuts and low crime rates, and we are continuing to see an influx daily.’
Bentonville, in Northwest Arkansas, which is home to Walmart’s headquarters, is seeing a particular influx, Keenan pointed out.
‘People are flocking to the places that have strong job markets and affordability – but also extra elbow room, fantastic food, and hospitable culture,’ she said. ‘Here in Northwest Arkansas, we certainly have all of that going for us.’
The common narrative about Americans moving south often centers on a search for warmer weather and sunnier skies, but the reality is more nuanced.
But a nationwide housing crisis has played a significant role in driving these moves.
Pictured: Drone aerial view of Greenville, South Carolina
Pictured: Aerial view of Fort Worth, Texas
Between 1995 and 2023, the median household income increased 2.3 times, rising from $34,076 to $80,610 annually.
However, during the same period, the median home sales price surged 3.4 times, jumping from $114,600 to $389,800, according to figures from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
This disparity has pushed many Americans out of the housing market, with the average age of homebuyers rising to 56 in 2023, up from 49 the previous year.
Escalating home prices, combined with historically high mortgage rates, have created a perfect storm of housing inaccessibility.
Despite these challenges, affordable housing options remain available, primarily in the southern United States.
