2025-12-25T13:34:01.246Z
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- Atlas Van Lines tracked state-to-state migration patterns in 2025.
- The Midwest has become a hot spot for movers, although it doesn’t appear on this list.
- The data shows that the Sun Belt still appeals to many movers.
Moving from one state to another isn’t as common as you might think, but plenty of people do it.
Whether moving for affordability reasons, job opportunities, or proximity to family, crossing state lines to pursue a better life is a reality for many. Where they choose to go is based on a variety of factors, and some surprising states have welcomed significantly more people than they’ve shed.
Moving company Atlas Van Lines has conducted its Migration Patterns Study since 1993. This year, the moving company tracked relocations from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025.
Although the Midwest is having a moment, attracting movers from all over the country, it has no entries on this list. Meanwhile, the Sun Belt continues to receive a steady stream of movers due to its generally low cost of living.
In recent years, it might feel as though everybody has moved around, but the numbers suggest that’s not the case. In 2024, only 2.1% of Americans changed their address from one state to another, according to the US Census. But that’s still about 7 million people.
Here are the top 10 states (including Washington, DC) with the highest percentage of inbound movers in 2025. Populations come from the US Census Bureau.
10. New Hampshire
Manchester, New Hampshire.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Population: 1,409,032
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 55%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 45%
9. North Dakota
Fargo, North Dakota.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Population: 796,568
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 56%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 44%
8. Alabama
Mobile, Alabama.
Kruck20/Getty Images
Population: 5,157,699
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 57%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 43%
7. Washington
Seattle, Washington.
Pavlo Kikot/Shutterstock
Population: 7,958,180
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 57%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 43%
6. Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Population: 7,227,750
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 57%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 43%
5. Washington, DC
Washington, DC.
halbergman/Getty Images
Population: 702,250
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 59%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 41%
4. Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ronnie Chua/Shutterstock
Population: 1,446,146
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 60%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 40%
3. North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin)/Getty Images
Population: 11,046,024
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 60%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 40%
2. Idaho
Boise, Idaho.
Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock
Population: 2,001,619
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 64%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 36%
1. Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Michael Warren/Getty Images
Population: 3,088,354
Percent of inbound moves in 2025: 68%
Percent of outbound moves in 2025: 32%
