United Van Lines Study Reveals Where/Why Americans Moved in 2022

Jan 9, 2023 | Your Source

For the fifth year in a row, New Jersey is in the lead — topping the list of most moved from states, that is. NJ is yet again the least popular moving destination in the continental U.S., according to the just released 46th Annual United Van Lines National Movers Study. Coming in at the No. 2 outbound spot was Illinois, followed by New York at No. 3 – the same top three states as last year. 

Meanwhile, Vermont topped the list of most popular moving locations, and Oregon followed as a close second for inbound moves. This year’s study encompasses data that Americans are now moving from bigger to smaller cities, mostly in the South, some in the West, but even an increase of migration to the Northeast, which has not been typical. 

The study revealed more Baby Boomers and Gen Xers moved than any other age group last year, as those aged 55 and older accounted for more than 55% of all inbound United Van Lines moves in 2022. Additionally, the survey shows the top motivations for inbound moves include a desire to be closer to family (35%, and continues to be a primary driver post-COVID), a new job/company transfer (33%, which continues to decrease as a driver post-COVID) and retirement (20%). 

The 46th Annual United Van Lines National Movers Study bases destination ranking off percentage of inbound/outbound state moves compared to total overall state moves. As the largest household goods mover in the U.S. and one that works heavily with corporations hiring and moving employees, the study indicates U.S. migration trends that can be tied to the health of the local economies.  

The top 10 inbound states of 2022 were:  

  1. Vermont
  2. Oregon
  3. Rhode Island
  4. South Carolina
  5. Delaware
  6. North Carolina
  7. Washington, D.C.
  8. South Dakota
  9. New Mexico
  10. Alabama

The top outbound states for 2022 were: 

  1. New Jersey
  2. Illinois
  3. New York
  4. Michigan
  5. Wyoming
  6. Pennsylvania
  7. Massachusetts
  8. Nebraska
  9. Louisiana
  10. California

For more details on the study, including an interactive map, visit: www.unitedvanlines.com/newsroom/movers-study-2022

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