West Virginia led the nation for inbound migration during 2024 while New Jersey saw the greatest outbound migration, according to United Van Lines’ 48th Annual National Movers Study.
West Virginia had the highest percentage of inbound migration (66%) among the states experiencing more than 250 moves with United Van Lines during 2024. The top motivations for moves to the state included wanting to be closer to family (35%) and a new job/company transfer (31%).
Rounding out the top 10 destinations for inbound migration in 2024 were Delaware, South Carolina, District of Columbia, North Carolina, Alabama, Rhode Island, Oregon, Arkansas, and Arizona.
United Van Lines pointed out that although Vermont experienced the highest percentage of inbound moves overall, United Van Lines moved fewer than 250 families in and out of the state. The inbound and outbound rankings in the 2024 study only reflected states with 250 moves or more.
At the other end of the spectrum, more residents moved out of New Jersey for the seventh consecutive year than any other state – a 67% outbound migration share in 2024. The other top 10 states for outbound migration were Illinois, New York, California, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Wyoming, Mississippi, and Nebraska.
“Recent migration data from United Van Lines continues to reveal the lingering influences of the global pandemic,” said Michael A. Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at The University of California, Los Angeles. “As housing costs continue to rise, Americans are moving to lower density, more affordable regions between expensive, economic-driving states. Delaware is moving up and an interesting spot for retirees, providing affordability but in close proximity to cities like Philadelphia and D.C.”
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