Arkansas Tops List of States with Most Inbound Moves

Migration data for 2025 highlights specific states attracting more residents than they are losing. Atlas Van Lines tracked state-to-state relocations from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, for its annual Migration Patterns Study. The study, which has been conducted since 1993, reveals that the Sun Belt continues to be a primary destination for those moving across state lines.

Factors such as affordability and job opportunities drive these decisions. Although the Midwest is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, it did not secure any spots on the top 10 list of inbound states. Arkansas took the number one position, welcoming significantly more people than it lost. The data also provides context on national mobility; according to the US Census, only 2.1% of the population changed their address from one state to another in 2024, equating to roughly 7 million people.

The latest relocation statistics confirm that certain regions are becoming hubs for new residents. Atlas Van Lines identified the top states based on the percentage of inbound versus outbound moves. The data underscores a continued interest in the Sun Belt, a region known for its generally lower cost of living. This area consistently receives a steady stream of movers looking for economic advantages.

Conversely, the Midwest has become a 'hot spot' for movers, yet it does not appear on the specific top 10 list generated by this study. The decision to move is often based on a variety of personal factors, including proximity to family and job availability. While moving across state lines is not as common as some might assume, the numbers remain significant. In 2024, approximately 7 million Americans relocated to a different state.

The study identified ten states, including Washington, DC, that recorded the highest percentage of inbound moves in 2025. These locations welcomed more residents than they lost during the tracking period. The list is dominated by regions in the South, West, and New England.

Arkansas ranked first with a commanding 68% of moves being inbound. Following closely was Idaho at 64%, and North Carolina and Hawaii tied for third with 60%. The full list of the top states includes:

1. Arkansas (68% inbound)
2. Idaho (64% inbound)
3. North Carolina (60% inbound)
4. Hawaii (60% inbound)
5. Washington, DC (59% inbound)
6. Tennessee (57% inbound)
7. Washington (57% inbound)
8. Alabama (57% inbound)
9. North Dakota (56% inbound)
10. New Hampshire (55% inbound)

Understanding the scale of these migrations requires looking at population figures provided by the US Census Bureau. The states on the list vary widely in size. For instance, North Carolina has a population of over 11 million, whereas North Dakota has just under 800,000 residents. Washington, DC, included in the rankings, has a population of approximately 702,250.

The data collection method for this study involved tracking relocations over a specific 12-month window, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. This timeframe provides a snapshot of migration patterns leading into 2025. The study has been a consistent metric for tracking these trends since 1993.