NJ, NY, CA, CO among top 5 states Americans are fleeing in 2025: United Van Lines

Multiple Democrat-led states led the country in terms of outward migration in 2025, new data released by United Van Lines has revealed. New Jersey saw the highest number of people moving out, followed by New York and California. 

United Van Lines revealed that out of the 3,200 moves booked by the company in New Jersey, 62 percent of those were heading out of the state, while just 38 percent were moving into the state. New York, which came in second place, saw 58 percent of all 6,400 moves booked being outward-bound, while 42 percent were inward-bound moves. Also high up on the list was California, with 58 percent being outward-bound moves, and Colorado, with 55 percent leaving the state. 

The states that saw the most moves into them were Oregon (65 percent), West Virginia (62 percent), and South Carolina (61 percent). With regards to Oregon, United Van Lines found that the Beaver State "has emerged as a leading inbound destination for job-seeking migrants (36%) with opportunities in growing tech and health care fields," while the Eugene-Springfield, OR metro area was the top metro area for inbound moves, at 85 percent. 

United Van Lines found that the major drivers for moving among Americans are a "desire to be closer to family, followed by the job market." Eily Cummings, Vice President of Corporate Communications at United Van Lines said, "The data reveals Americans are seeking a different pace of life, and destinations like Oregon, the Carolinas and the south are delivering it. 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."

President Donald Trump noted the statistics, writing, "California and Colorado are two of the TOP OUTBOUND STATES IN 2025 (United Van Lines!) - In other words, PEOPLE LEAVING!!! That’s what bad governors do to even places blessed with beautiful surrounds and climate."