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Americans are on the move, and they're not looking back. Sky-high housing costs, heavy tax burdens, brutal winters, retirement plans, and the freedom of remote work are pushing millions to pack up and cross state lines in search of something better.
U-Haul's latest Growth Index paints a telling picture of where everyone is headed and where they're leaving behind. Drawing from more than 2.5 million one-way rentals completed in 2025, the index tracks where moving trucks are picked up versus where they're dropped off, ranking states by the net balance of arrivals and departures. It doesn't measure population growth directly, but it reveals something just as powerful: momentum.
Here are the states losing the most residents as Americans chase affordability, warmer weather, and a better shot at being able to get ahead financially.
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Connecticut
Connecticut continues to lose movers as high taxes collide with steep housing costs.
The state imposes a 6.35% sales tax.
Connecticut also has a progressive state income tax of seven brackets, with the highest rate at 6.99%.
The state has a median home sale price of $428,586, according to Redfin, and property taxes are among the highest in the nation, weighing heavily on fixed-income households.
Michigan
Despite some pockets of economic recovery, Michigan remains a net-loss state with more residents moving out than in.
Residents face a 6% sales tax and a flat income tax rate of 4.25%.
Median home prices are relatively affordable at $279,079, but population declines in certain metro areas reflect lingering concerns about long-term economic stability.
Ohio
Ohio experienced one of the steepest year-over-year ranking drops on the U-Haul Growth Index.
The state has a 5.75% sales tax. For its income tax, Ohio has phased out its multi-bracket system in favor of a flat tax. Under current state laws, nonbusiness income up to $26,050 is untaxed, while all nonbusiness income above that amount is subject to a flat tax rate of 2.75%.
The median home sales price is relatively affordable at roughly $264,129, but slower job growth continues to push residents elsewhere. Ohio's unemployment rate is at 3.9%.
Ohio also has a high rate of poverty, with 12.7% of the state's population living below the poverty line.
Maryland
With its proximity to Washington, D.C., many of the capital city's highest costs bleed into Maryland. There, the median sale home price has reached $433,570.
The state's 6% sales tax and progressive income tax, now topping out at 6.5%, can further shrink residents' wallet power.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania continues to see net out-migration as residents contend with moderate housing costs paired with a relatively high tax burden.
The state levies a 6% sales tax (up to 8% in some instances) and a flat income tax rate of 3.07%.
Median home sales price sits around $310,038, but Pennsylvania's property taxes are less affordable. The Tax Foundation ranks Pennsylvania's property taxes as 13th-highest in the nation. Additionally, aging housing stock and its required maintenance present a significant challenge.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a 6.25% sales tax and a graduated state income tax rate, with the highest earners paying 9%.
The median home sale price of $652,846 adds to the affordability challenge, even in suburban and exurban (very outer edge of metro) communities.
New York
New York's high cost of living remains a key driver of out-migration. Statewide, New York imposes a 4% sales tax. But combined with local sales taxes, some residents may pay up to 8.87%.
Adding to the squeeze, the top state income tax rate is 10.9%, and median home prices have reached $508,323.
New Jersey
New Jersey remains one of the most expensive states to live in. Residents face sales taxes up to 6.625% and a progressive income tax topping out at 10.75%.
The median home sales price is near $547,195, pushing ownership out of reach for many.
Additionally, at 2.23%, New Jersey has the nation's highest effective owner-occupied property tax rate, in the nation according to Tax Foundation data.
Illinois
Illinois continues to lose movers to heavy housing and tax pressures. The state applies a 6.25% sales tax and a flat income tax rate of 4.95%.
While home prices are lower than on the coasts, the median home cost of $327,918 is a struggle for residents also facing high property taxes and limited job mobility.
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California
California has ranked last on the U-Haul Growth Index for six straight years, reflecting a sustained exodus that mirrors a John Steinbeck novel — in reverse.
The state levies a statewide sales tax of 7.25% and local taxes of up to 2.00%. Additionally, its progressive income tax has a top rate of 13.3%, the highest in the nation.
Median home prices remain steep at $770,339, pushing affordability out of reach for many households.
Bottom line
Americans are seeking warmer weather and affordable housing. Last year, the clearest signal came from high-housing-cost states losing more residents than new ones gained.
If you're feeling squeezed by rent or taxes, understanding these migration patterns can help you evaluate whether a move is in order.
Be sure to also speak with an expert about where you stand financially. While lower-cost housing is a draw, a solid financial reset could put you in a stronger position moving ahead, no matter where you live.
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