According to the “2025 National Movers Study” released by the moving company United Van Lines, New York and New Jersey have become the two states with the highest outflow of population in the United States this year. This trend indicates that the population movement in the United States is continuing to move away from the large cities in the Northeast and towards the Southern and Western regions.
The report indicates that New Jersey has ranked as the top state for outflow of population for the eighth consecutive year. Based on the one-way moving data from the company, in 2025, 62% of the moves in New Jersey were classified as outbound, closely followed by New York with an outflow rate of 58%. California also ranks third with a similar outflow rate of 58%.
United Van Lines stated that this wave of population outmigration from the Northeast reflects a structural shift in the overall migration pattern in the United States. The primary reasons people choose to move are to be closer to family (29%) and considerations for the job market (26%).
The trend of population moving from the Northeast to the West and South can be traced back to the period during the COVID-19 pandemic when many New York residents began moving to states with lower population density, such as Texas and Florida.
The survey, which has been conducted continuously since 1977, is based on household relocation cases processed by UniGroup, the parent company of United Van Lines, in 48 states and Washington D.C., ranking the states based on inbound and outbound migration ratios.
The report analysis notes that while New Jersey often attracts young professionals and new families, as residents age, the rate of outflow among the retirement population has significantly accelerated. Meanwhile, New York exhibits a dual pattern of migration with “young people coming for work and leaving due to retirement, affordability, and lifestyle considerations.”
In recent years, the cost of living in New York City has continued to rise, particularly with rent prices becoming a prominent issue. Data shows that the average and median rents in Manhattan reached new highs in November, exacerbating economic pressures for some residents.
Some conservative commentators link population outflow to political factors, suggesting that if the city government leans further left, it could prompt more residents to consider leaving New York. Earlier speculations have been made that if Mayor-elect Mamdani takes office, it could trigger a new wave of population migration.
In terms of states with the most inbound population, Oregon ranks first with a 65% inbound ratio. United Van Lines points out that the thriving technology and medical industries in the area have attracted 36% of new immigrants for job opportunities. West Virginia (62%) and South Carolina (61%) rank as second and third, respectively, indicating that the Southern regions and medium-sized cities are becoming new population hubs.
Eily Cummings, Vice President of Corporate Communications at United Van Lines, stated that the data shows Americans are seeking a different pace of life than before, preferring areas with relatively cheaper housing prices and lower life stress levels.
The ranking of states with the highest outflow of population in 2025 includes New Jersey, New York, California, North Dakota, Colorado, Mississippi, and Massachusetts; while the states with the highest inbound population in 2025 are Oregon, West Virginia, South Carolina, Delaware, Minnesota, Idaho, North Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, and Nevada.