As Democrat-run states continue to hemorrhage residents, Texas has once again emerged as the nation’s top destination for Americans on the move.
Texas has reclaimed its position as the nation’s top destination for inbound migration, according to the 2025 U-Haul Growth Index, as part of a continued streak for Republican-led states.
The annual report, which analyzes more than 2.5 million one-way moving transactions, ranks Texas No. 1 for net in-migration for the seventh time in the past decade.
Florida followed closely behind, with North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina rounding out the top five.
California finished dead last for the sixth consecutive year, once again leading the nation in resident departures.
U-Haul data show that 50.7 percent of all one-way moves involving Texas in 2025 were inbound, compared to 49.3 percent outbound. Arrivals to the state rose by 3 percent year-over-year, while departures increased by just 1 percent, reinforcing Texas’ status as a net-gain state.
Seven of the top 10 growth states currently have Republican governors, and nine voted Republican in the most recent presidential election. Conversely, nine of the bottom 10 growth states are governed by Democrats, with seven voting blue in the last election.
A spokesman for Gov. Greg Abbott told Texas Scorecard the data reflects Texas’ continued economic dominance.
“People and businesses vote with their feet, and they are continually choosing to move to Texas more than any other state in the country,” said Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s press secretary. “Texas continues to dominate the national economy for the 21st year in a row as the Best State for Business and a record-breaking 13th year in a row winning the Governor’s Cup for the most economic development projects in the country.”
U-Haul officials note that while personal circumstances such as jobs and family changes often prompt moves, states with warmer climates, lower taxes, and fewer regulatory burdens continue to attract Americans looking for a better quality of life.
The full rankings may be viewed here.
