People across the US are packing up and heading to new places. A fresh report from U-Haul shows where most new residents landed in 2025 – and the South is winning big.
Texas took the top spot again. It’s been number one seven times in the last ten years. Florida came in second, keeping its strong pull.
The full top ten list for new arrivals:
- Texas
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
- Washington
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Alabama
- Georgia
Eight of these are Southern states. Warm weather plays a big role.
U-Haul looked at over 2.5 million one-way truck rentals to make this list. It shows where people choose to move, not just population changes.
Why these spots? Folks want better jobs, lower taxes, cheaper homes, and sunny days. No state income tax in places like Texas and Florida helps a lot.
On the flip side, California had the most people leaving. Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts followed.
This move from blue states to red ones started around 2020 and keeps going. Seven of the top ten gaining states have Republican leaders.
South Carolina dropped from first last year to fifth now. Texas moved up one spot to take the lead again.
These shifts change everything. Winner states get more workers, higher home prices, and busier roads. Loser states lose money for schools and services.
Experts say housing costs and job news will keep driving moves in 2026.