South Carolina, August 5, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina has secured the title of the top growth state in the U.S., according to U-Haul’s midyear migration trends report for 2024. The state boasts an impressive 51.7% arrival percentage, marking a significant increase in its population through interstate migration. Regions such as Myrtle Beach, Greenville, and Charleston-North Charleston are leading the growth, indicating a trend towards the southern states for better affordability and job opportunities.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina Named Top Growth State in U-Haul’s 2024 Migration Trends Report
According to U-Haul’s midyear migration trends report for 2024, South Carolina has confidently claimed the title of the number one growth state in the U.S., showcasing a remarkable influx of new residents. The state’s arrival percentage stands at 51.7%, surpassing its departure percentage of 48.3%.
Growth Markets in South Carolina
Particular regions within South Carolina have been identified as notable growth markets:
- Myrtle Beach ranks 5th among the top destinations.
- Greenville is in 10th place.
- Charleston-North Charleston holds the 13th position.
- Spartanburg comes in 11th.
Methodology and Trends
This report is based on one-way customer transactions from January to July 2025, reflecting significant migration trends across the country. The findings show that the most sought-after destinations for one-way moves are primarily located in the South. Following South Carolina, the states with notable inbound migration are Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.
Historical Context
South Carolina’s ranking markedly improved from 4th place in 2023 to 1st this year, indicating a significant shift in migration patterns. Previously, Texas had held the number one spot for growth states for three consecutive years, from 2021 to 2023. In contrast, California has recorded the greatest net loss of do-it-yourself movers for the fifth consecutive year, placing it at 50th.
State Comparisons and Emerging Trends
Among other developments, Oklahoma exhibited the strongest growth in self-service move-ins, climbing from 41st to 11th. Interestingly, Colorado fell by 31 spots to rank 40th, suggesting a decline in inbound migration. States such as Indiana and Maine have shown significant inbound growth, while Nevada, Wyoming, and New Mexico have experienced declines in move-ins.
Population Trends and Migration Factors
According to the U.S. Census’s latest American Community Survey, there has been a marked indication that southern and southwestern states are continuing to gain population through interstate migrations. Specifically, the South recorded nearly 690,000 net move-ins in 2022. The prevailing migration patterns suggest a tendency towards the Southeast and Southwest, driven by factors such as affordability, job prospects, and overall quality of life.
U-Haul’s Growth Index Methodology
The U-Haul Growth Index compiles data from over 2.5 million one-way U-Haul transactions each year, capturing a broader migration trend that highlights the movement away from the Northeast and Midwest, particularly California. U-Haul’s president has reiterated the company’s commitment to adapting to ongoing patterns of migration and fulfilling moving needs across the country.
FAQ
Why is South Carolina ranked as the top growth state?
South Carolina is ranked as the top growth state due to its significant influx of new residents, with an arrival percentage of 51.7%, compared to a departure percentage of 48.3%, indicating a strong net migration.
What regions are seeing the most growth in South Carolina?
The regions in South Carolina showing notable growth include Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Spartanburg, and the Charleston-North Charleston area.
How does U-Haul determine migration trends?
U-Haul analyzes over 2.5 million one-way customer transactions annually between January and July to assess and track migration trends across the United States.
Key Features of the 2024 Migration Trends Report
| Rank | State | Arrival Percentage | Departure Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Carolina | 51.7% | 48.3% |
| 2 | Texas | – | – |
| 3 | North Carolina | – | – |
| 4 | Florida | – | – |
| 5 | Tennessee | – | – |
| 50 | California | – | Greatest net loss |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charleston Ranked Third Best City in America
Georgia State Men’s Golf Team Competes at Furman Intercollegiate
Hit-and-Run Incidents Raise Concerns in Greenville County
South Carolina Surpasses Texas as Fastest-Growing State
Myrtle Beach Attracts Major Migration Wave to the Sun Belt
South Carolina Named Fastest-Growing State in the U.S.
South Carolina Named Fastest-Growing State in the U.S.
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Are People Moving Away from SC? Here’s What 2025 U-Haul Data Shows
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Multifamily Dive: Renters Moving to South Carolina
- Google Search: South Carolina migration trends
- Business Wire: U-Haul Growth States of 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Migration
- Fox Business: Americans Flock to Scenic Southern State
- Google News: U-Haul 2024 migration trends
- Insurance Journal: Southeast Migration Trends
- Google Scholar: Southern States Migration Trends
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
