Florida Ranks No. 2 in U-Haul Growth Index for 2025 as Sunshine State Migration Surges

Florida Climbs to No. 2 in U-Haul Growth Rankings, Reflecting Strong Inbound Migration

New data from U-Haul’s annual Growth Index shows Florida was the second fastest-growing state in the U.S. in 2025, trailing only Texas in net inbound moves. The Sunshine State’s rise in the rankings underscores continued population shifts toward warmer climates, no state income tax, and a business-friendly economy that draws families, retirees and job seekers alike.

According to the migration data — calculated from more than 2.5 million one-way U-Haul transactions — 50.6% of one-way moves involving Florida were inbound, outpacing departures and placing the state firmly near the top of national growth trends. Florida climbed from No. 4 in the 2024 index into the No. 2 spot in 2025, a position it has held frequently over the past decade.

What the U-Haul Growth Index Measures

U-Haul’s Growth Index is a widely followed indicator of state-to-state migration patterns. It tracks the net gain or loss of one-way truck, trailer, and container rentals — meaning how many more customers brought U-Haul equipment into a state than took it out. Because moving trucks are often linked to permanent relocations, the index serves as a proxy for broader population movements.

In 2025, Florida’s inbound percentage slightly increased year-over-year, even as outbound moves also ticked up — a testament to the state’s magnetic pull. Regions throughout the Northeast, Midwest, Canada and elsewhere contributed to the inbound flow, as people seek sunshine, affordability and job opportunities.

Why Florida Is a Top Destination

Several factors continue to fuel Florida’s migration appeal:

• Cost & tax climate: With no state personal income tax, Florida remains attractive for retirees and working households alike.

• Climate & lifestyle: Warm weather, beaches and outdoor living are perennial draws, particularly for northern transplants.

• Job opportunities: Growth in sectors like healthcare, hospitality, logistics and professional services strengthens the state’s labor market.

• Business environment: Firms cite a friendly regulatory climate and access to markets as reasons to relocate or expand in Florida.

These elements not only bring residents but also support expansion for companies that benefit from a growing consumer base and workforce.

What This Means for Naples & Southwest Florida

For Naples and nearby communities, Florida’s broader growth momentum resonates with local trends:

• Housing demand: Continued inbound migration can reinforce pressure on the regional housing market, sustaining demand for both resale and new construction.

• Consumer spending: Population growth often translates into stronger retail and service activity, benefiting local businesses.

• Workforce shifts: A steady inflow of new residents may expand the labor pool, which can help employers in sectors from healthcare to hospitality.

While some parts of the state saw faster local expansion — including metropolitan areas like Ocala and North Port — the Naples region is part of the Gulf Coast’s overall growth picture, attracting newcomers seeking coastal living and economic opportunity.

Florida’s Placement in National Migration

Florida wasn’t alone among high-growth states. In U-Haul’s 2025 rankings, Texas retained the No. 1 spot for inbound moves, with North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina also among the top five. States like California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York experienced some of the largest net outflows, reflecting continuing national migration patterns toward the South and Southeast.

Florida’s No. 2 ranking on the U-Haul Growth Index for 2025 highlights the Sunshine State’s ongoing pull for new residents. For Naples and the broader Southwest Florida region, the trend underscores a competitive landscape in housing, labor and consumer markets — one shaped by the steady movement of people following lifestyle, tax and economic incentives.