If you want to know where people are moving to and from just ask one of the largest relocation companies in the nation. United Van Lines recently posted their 2025 Annual Mover Study. Alabama was ranked 9th in the nation where people made their new home.

The survey found that a broad migration shift toward smaller cities and towns is redefining American relocation patterns. New Jersey has ranked among the top 10 outbound for more than 15 years.

Alabama has seen population growth in Baldwin County, Auburn and Huntsville. While the coastal region has grown in the number of retirees, other areas of the state have seen expansion in technology companies. The reasons for moving to Alabama:

• 33.90%  Family
• 29.80%  Job
• 18.80%  Retirement
• 5.00%   Lifestyle
• 3.30%   Health

According to the United Van Lines Survey, Alabama saw a 14.2% growth versus outbound moves in 2025.

“The data reveals Americans are seeking a different pace of life, and destinations like Oregon, the Carolinas and the south are delivering it,” Eily Cummings, Vice President of Corporate Communications at United Van Lines said. “While our total number of residential moves is similar to 2024, we’re seeing much greater complexity in why people move and increasingly divergent migration patterns across age groups.”

Where Americans Moved in 2025

In 2025, the data revealed inbound migration patterns to states across Southern regions, with a few exceptions. Meanwhile, primarily the Northeast, among other regions, continued to experience significant outbound migration.

Moving In 

The top inbound states* of 2025 were:   

1. Oregon 
2. West Virginia 
3. South Carolina 
4. Delaware 
5. Minnesota 
6. Idaho 
7. North Carolina   
8. Arkansas   
9. Alabama 
10. Nevada 

New states to the 2025 top inbound list are Nevada, Idaho and Minnesota. South Carolina and Alabama have been included in the top inbound states over the past six years. 

Moving Out 

The top outbound states for 2025 were: 

1. New Jersey 
2. New York 
3. California 
4. North Dakota 
5. Colorado 
6. Mississippi 
7. Massachusetts 

Methodology

Since 1977, United Van Lines annually tracks migration patterns on a state-by-state basis. The 2025 study is based on household moves handled by the UniGroup network (parent company of United Van Lines) within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. and ranks states based off the inbound and outbound percentages of total moves in each state.