Each year, United Van Lines surveys its customers on how its trucks and vans are used for relocation. In 2020, trends regarding Americans on the move mirrored recent years with a clear uptick in relocation from city life associated with COVID-19.

The company’s 44th Annual National Migration Study, reveals in 2020 that Americans continued to move westbound and southbound, and toward rural areas and more open spaces.

Idaho proved to be the state with the highest percentage of inbound migration among states experiencing more than 250 moves with United Van Lines, topping the list now in consecutive years. Topping the list of outbound locations was New Jersey, which has held the spot for three years.

Top 10 States Experiencing Highest Rate of Move-in During 2020

1. Idaho
2. South Carolina
3. Oregon
4. South Dakota
5. Arizona
6. North Carolina
7. Tennessee
8. Alabama
9. Florida
10. Arkansas

New to the top inbound list for 2020 are Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas.

Top 10 States Experiencing Highest Rate of Move-out During 2020

1. New Jersey
2. New York
3. Illinois
4. Connecticut
5. California
6. Kansas
7. North Dakota
8. Massachusetts
9. Ohio
10. Maryland

The balanced states for even or near-even numbers of move-ins and move-outs were New Hampshire and Montana, according to the study.

“United Van Lines’ data makes it clear that migration to western and southern states, a prevalent pattern for the past several years, persisted in 2020,” UCLA Economist Michael A. Stoll said. “However, we’re seeing that the COVID-19 pandemic has without a doubt accelerated broader moving trends, including retirement driving top inbound regions as the Baby Boomer generation continues to reach that next phase of life.”

Source: MHInsider

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