North Carolina Nabs Title of U-Haul No. 1 Growth State

Virginia Ranks Second, Illinois Last in Migration Trends Report

North Carolina is the No. 1 U.S. Growth State for 2015, according to the latest U-Haul migration trends report.

The Tar Heel State bested Virginia for top growth honors, posting the biggest net gain of one-way U-Haul truck rentals entering the state versus the number leaving the state during the past calendar year.

Ohio, Florida and California round out the top five. Illinois ranks last on the list with the most net departures of U-Haul truck rentals. The migration trends data was compiled from more than 1.7 million one-way U-Haul truck rental transactions that occurred in 2015.

View the U-Haul No. 1 U.S. Growth City of 2015

“I am not surprised to hear North Carolina is the No.1 top growing state,” U-Haul Company of Central North Carolina president Jason Grider said. “North Carolina is a great state to live and work. I think people are drawn to the state because of the strong economy and job opportunities, the climate, and the diversity of the people and state as a whole.

“From the Atlantic Coast to the lakes and Appalachian Mountains, we have much to offer and opportunities for everyone. The growth is not limited to certain areas. We have seen tremendous growth all over the state.”

North Carolina is the ninth most populous state, according to the Office of State Budget and Management, having surpassed Michigan in 2014. A July 2015 U.S. Census estimate put North Carolina’s population at a little more than 10 million people. The state’s population grew at a 4.3-percent clip from 2010-2014 – 1 percent ahead of the overall U.S. clip.

A diverse business sector and renowned academic research institutions are just a couple of ways North Carolina has lured families, students, young professionals and companies. North Carolina has seen significant growth among U-Haul neighborhood dealers – companies which supplement their primary business with U-Haul products and services to better serve their communities.

Find U-Haul Locations in North Carolina

U-Haul Company of Raleigh president Paul Smedberg noted: “The temperate climate and overall quality of life that North Carolina offers is contagious. All the metro areas, including Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem have experienced steady growth. It doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.”

Washington, New York, Arkansas, Maine and Utah complete the top 10 growth states. While U-Haul migration trends don’t correlate directly to population or economic growth, the data is a strong gauge of how well states are attracting and keeping residents.

U-Haul U.S. Growth States for 2015

1. North Carolina
2. Virginia
3. Ohio
4. Florida
5. California
6. Washington
7. New York
8. Arkansas
9. Maine
10. Utah
11. Alabama
12. Minnesota
13. Wisconsin
14. New Mexico
15. Arizona
16. Vermont
17. South Carolina
18. Missouri
19. West Virginia
20. Maryland
21. Idaho
22. Colorado
23. Delaware
24. Mississippi
25. Indiana
26. Nebraska
27. Michigan
28. Washington, D.C.
29. Iowa
30. Kentucky
31. Alaska
32. South Dakota
33. Montana
34. Tennessee
35. Louisiana
36. Massachusetts
37. Wyoming
38. Rhode Island
39. Texas
40. Georgia
41. Nevada
42. Connecticut
43. Kansas
44. North Dakota
45. New Jersey
46. Oklahoma
47. New Hampshire
48. Pennsylvania
49. Oregon
50. Illinois

* Hawaii is not listed since state-to-state truck rentals are not applicable. Washington, D.C. is considered its own territory and is part of the list for migration purposes.