In 2024, Wyoming and Montana experienced a decline in newcomers, while Idaho continued to attract a steady stream of transplants, according to data from U-Haul, the leading provider of do-it-yourself moving rentals, Cowboy State Daily reports.
The data also highlighted California as the state most people are leaving, ranking last in U-Haul’s list of incoming one-way rentals.
Wyoming ranked 36th among U-Haul’s destination states in 2024, a notable drop from its 14th-place ranking in 2023. Historically, Wyoming has fluctuated between being a net-gain or break-even state for U-Haul arrivals and departures.
Jeff Lockridge, a spokesperson for U-Haul International, explained that the shift reflects only a slight imbalance.
“The difference between arrivals and departures is usually not very big either way. This year, Wyoming had a few more departures than arrivals,” he noted.
Montana also saw a slight decline, dropping three spots from its 2023 ranking. Despite this, Montana continues to maintain a strong track record as a desirable location, with growth hotspots such as Missoula, which ranked as the 20th U.S. growth city in 2024, according to U-Haul’s Growth Index.
Jacob Callis, a U-Haul representative in Bozeman, Montana, noted an increasing number of departures, often driven by rising housing costs.
“People are heading to states with more affordable living and lower taxes, like South Carolina,” Callis said.
Idaho ranked 10th on U-Haul’s list, marking its fourth consecutive year in the top 10 growth states. Cities such as Boise and Coeur d’Alene have become magnets for transplants, offering a blend of rural charm and urban amenities.
Casey Jones, U-Haul Company of Idaho president, attributed the growth to the state’s affordable property options and expanding job market.
“You have people moving to Boise because they can buy acreage and still enjoy big-city amenities. Job creation is another driving factor,” Jones said.
South Carolina emerged as the top destination for U-Haul one-way rentals in 2024, followed by Texas and North Carolina. These states appeal to movers with their lower taxes, affordable housing, and growing job opportunities.
The U-Haul Growth Index, based on 2.5 million annual transactions across the US and Canada, provides an immediate snapshot of migration trends. While census data typically lags behind, U-Haul’s insights offer a timely perspective on shifting population dynamics.
