2024 saw more people pack up and leave California than move to the Golden State, according to several major moving companies.
U-Haul, Atlas Van Lines, and United Van Lines all released data showing migration trends per state last year. While the numbers vary, each reported more customers moving away from California than moving in, mirroring migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
U-Haul, which ranked California last among “growth states” for the fifth straight year, said inbound customers accounted for just over 49% of one-way traffic, while 51% were outbound.
The numbers were more lopsided with the other two companies. Atlas reported that 60% of its shipments were outbound from California in 2024, compared to just 40% inbound. United had similar findings: 58% outbound to 42% inbound.
Some of the top inbound states in the US by percentage were North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Arkansas, Arizona, and West Virginia.
Naturally, the reasons why people move elsewhere vary by individual and family.
United’s survey found that 29% left California for family reasons, 21% for a job, and nearly 12% for retirement. Just 10% cited the cost of living as the primary reason.
Also, more than half (54%) of those who left had incomes of $150,000 or more.
“As housing costs continue to rise, Americans are moving to lower-density, more affordable regions between expensive, economic-driving states,” said Michael A. Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles.
California, the nation’s most populous state, consistently ranks among the most expensive in terms of housing and the overall cost of living. A survey conducted by Emerson College Polling in October 2024 found that 56% of Californians have considered leaving the state for financial reasons.
Yet, despite the outbound migration trends, California’s population is growing again. According to the Census Bureau, the Golden State added 232,570 people from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024.
