More people fleeing California more than any other state

California continues to see a steady stream of residents leaving the state, with more people fleeing California than any other state, according to a recent analysis by U-Haul. For the sixth consecutive year, California ranked last on the moving and storage rental company’s list of “growth states.” However, there was a slight improvement in the out-migration numbers compared to previous years, as noted in a recent news release by U-Haul.

The analysis revealed that while California experienced the highest exodus of DIY movers compared to other states, the net loss in 2025 was slightly lower than in 2024. Despite this, California still ranked at the bottom of the list for states experiencing growth. Joining California in the bottom five were Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Interestingly, nine out of the ten worst states for growth are governed by Democrats, with majority of them leaning blue in the last presidential election.

On the flip side, the top 10 growth states all have Republican governors, with nine of them voting red in the 2024 presidential election. Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina were the top five states for growth, according to U-Haul’s analysis. The company’s U-Haul Growth Index, compiled from over 2.5 million one-way truck and trailer rental transactions, sheds light on the migration patterns across states.

Factors such as marriage, children, job opportunities, and lifestyle changes play a significant role in people’s decisions to relocate. In-migration states tend to be more appealing to individuals seeking a change in scenery. Oregon saw the biggest jump in ranking, moving from 34th to 11th on the growth list in 2025, while Ohio experienced the largest drop, falling 29 positions to 43rd on the list.

Florida dominated the city growth list, with 12 out of 25 spots taken by cities in the Sunshine State. Ocala claimed the top spot on the list, showcasing its appeal to new residents. In contrast, no California city made it to the list, underscoring the state’s challenges in attracting and retaining residents.

While the U-Haul rankings may not directly correlate with population or economic growth, they provide valuable insights into the states, metros, and cities that are successful in drawing in and retaining residents. Data from The Journal of Consumer Research highlighted California’s high net negative migration rate, attributed to factors such as the state’s high cost of living.

As California grapples with ongoing challenges, including affordability issues and changing demographics, the state’s position at the bottom of the growth list reflects a larger trend of residents seeking opportunities elsewhere. The U-Haul analysis serves as a barometer for understanding migration patterns and the factors influencing people’s decisions to move to different states.