ORLANDO, Fla. – This week, United Van Lines has released its 2025 National Movers Study, revealing where people have been moving across the country.
According to the study, Oregon topped the list with the highest percentage of inbound migration (65%), moving up from No. 8 in 2024. On the flip side, more residents moved out of New Jersey than any other state.
But farther down south, the Sunshine State appears to have lost some of its luster from recent years.
“Notably, major Southern migration magnets like Texas and Florida — historically powerhouse inbound destinations — are now experiencing balanced migration patterns, reflecting how rising housing costs are beginning to constrain even traditionally attractive regions," the study reads.
[BELOW: Study says these metro areas in Florida are growing faster than anywhere else]
That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. The data shows that Florida only had 47.8% outbound migration, as compared to its 52.2% inbound migration, which effectively means that migration into the state is cooling.
Below are the reasons researchers said are why people either moved to or out of the state.
| Primary Reason for Moving | Inbound | Outbound |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement | 29.8% | 6.6% |
| Health | 3.4% | 6.5% |
| Family | 18.8% | 36.9% |
| Lifestyle | 13.3% | 10.8% |
| Job | 19.3% | 22.2% |
| Cost | 3.2% | 3.5% |
Federal data shows that millions of people have moved to Florida over the past few years, marking a huge influx ever since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While this massive population growth has sparked some issues with inflation, UCF economist Sean Snaith has also forecast that more people means greater economic growth within the state.
“Florida is going to keep cruising at a higher altitude than the rest of the country,” Snaith predicted in early 2025. “That’s because the ‘twin engines’ of a robust labor market and population growth are propelling us forward.”
Snaith explained that many of the people moving into Florida are retirees, which means more jobs are being created to meet their needs and wants.
“Florida should enjoy the ride through these economically friendly skies with seatbelts fastened — just in case,” Snaith said.