Summary
Recent data shows that the traditional pattern of Americans moving from the Northeast and Midwest to the Sun Belt is changing. While some Southern states still see growth, others like Texas and Florida are seeing balanced population changes. Meanwhile, the Midwest is emerging as a new destination, and there has been a significant drop in international migration to the U.S.
Key Facts
- The U.S. population grew by 1.78 million from July 2024 to July 2025, which is roughly half the number from the previous year.
- There was a 54% decrease in international migration, dropping from 2.7 million to 1.3 million people.
- South Carolina saw the fastest population growth rate at 1.5%, followed by Idaho, North Carolina, and Texas.
- Texas gained the most new residents in numbers, followed by Florida and North Carolina.
- Texas and Florida are now seeing balanced migration, meaning the number of people moving in and out are about equal.
- Five states, including California and Hawaii, lost population during this period.
- California's population decrease is linked to a drop in international migration by about 70%.
- New Jersey remains the top outbound state according to United Van Lines for the eighth year in a row.
