Florida ranks No. 2 on U-Haul Growth Index for 2025

Florida remained one of the nation’s top relocation destinations in 2025, with Southwest Florida cities continuing to draw new residents, according to newly released data from the U-Haul Growth Index, which tracks one-way moving traffic nationwide.

The Sunshine State ranked No. 2 overall for net in-migration, climbing two spots from its No. 4 position in 2024. U-Haul customers moving into Florida accounted for 50.6% of all one-way traffic in and out of the state last year, compared with 49.4% leaving. Arrivals increased 2% year over year, outpacing departures, which rose 1%.

Southwest Florida continued to play a significant role in that growth. Among the state’s notable in-migration markets were North Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, North Port, Bradenton and Port St. Lucie, underscoring the region’s appeal to retirees, families and remote workers seeking warmer weather, housing options and a different pace of life.

“Florida has opportunities for work, no state taxes, and great weather year-round,” said Mario Martinez, U-Haul area district vice president of South Florida. “We see a lot of people moving here from the Northeast. We have an endless number of retirees coming to Florida. They come for a better quality of life, warm weather and a laid-back lifestyle.”

Nationally, Texas reclaimed the top spot as the No. 1 growth state for 2025, marking the seventh time in 10 years it has led the rankings. Florida followed, with North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina rounding out the top five. The top 10 was dominated by Southern and Sun Belt states, reflecting continued migration toward warmer climates and lower-tax regions.

By contrast, California ranked last for the sixth consecutive year, posting the largest net loss of U-Haul customers despite a smaller outflow than in 2024. Other states near the bottom of the index included Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Illinois.

The index also highlighted notable shifts. Oregon posted the largest year-over-year climb, jumping 23 spots into the top 15, while Mississippi, Colorado and Nevada also recorded significant gains. Ohio experienced the steepest decline, falling 29 positions into the bottom tier.

The U-Haul Growth Index is based on more than 2.5 million one-way truck, trailer and U-Box container rentals across the U.S. and Canada. While it does not directly measure population growth, the company says it provides a reliable snapshot of where people are choosing to relocate.

“We continue to find that life circumstances dictate the need for most moves,” said John “J.T.” Taylor, U-Haul International president. “But other factors can be important to people who are looking to change their surroundings.”