According to the results of United Van Lines’ 43rd Annual National Movers Study, which tracks customers’ state-to-state migration patterns over the past year, Idaho saw the highest percentage of inbound migration among states experiencing more than 250 moves* with United Van Lines: 67.4 percent. For the second consecutive year, the study found that more residents moved out of New Jersey than any other state, as 68.5 percent of New Jersey moves were outbound.
The study by the national moving company found that 26 states, including Maryland, registered as balanced, meaning that moves in and out of the states and Washington, D.C., were roughly equal.
Last year, 48.4% of all Maryland moves were inbound compared to 51.6% that were outbound, according to the study.
The study and its accompanying survey also revealed that more Baby Boomer generation Americans moved than any other age group last year, as those aged 55-74 years old accounted for more than 45 percent of all inbound United Van Lines moves in 2019.
“Key factors like the Baby Boomer generation re-locating upon reaching retirement age as well as states’ economic performances and housing costs drove these 2019 moving patterns,” Michael Stoll, an economist and professor in the University of California—Los Angeles Department of Public Policy, said in the press release. “United Van Lines’ study encompasses data consistent with the broader migration trends to western and southern regions that we’ve been seeing for several years now.”
Moving In
The top inbound states (with 250 moves or more) of 2019 were:
- Idaho
- Oregon
- Arizona
- South Carolina
- Washington
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- South Dakota
- North Carolina
- New Mexico
Moving Out
The top outbound states for 2019 were:
- New Jersey
- Illinois
- New York
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Ohio
- California
- Michigan
- North Dakota
- Iowa
*While Vermont actually experienced the highest percentage of inbound moves, it wasn’t considered in the ranking because the study only looked at states where at least 250 families moved through United Van Lines.
To view the entire 2019 study, an interactive map and archived press releases and photos from United, please visit the United Van Lines website.