Whether they were heading up the coast to Florida or just to New York State, people abandoned the Garden State and settled elsewhere.
In the 49th National Movers Study, United Van Lines explores migration changes across the United States, revealing where and why residents are moving.
For Americans, the primary motivation for moving is often to be closer to family (29%), followed by job opportunities and job market expansion (26%).
However, the study revealed some differences among New Jerseyans traveling to other states. For the eighth consecutive year, New Jersey moved more residents out of the state than any other state, with an out-migration rate of 62%.
As the state becomes increasingly attractive to young professionals and families who view the entire region as a “launch state,” 21% of inbound moves come from movers ages 18-34, and older residents and retirees are looking to settle elsewhere.
Shifting immigration patterns show that while major out-migration states like New Jersey attract aspiring workers, more and more are leaving at the same time due to retirement, lifestyle and cost-of-living changes. Likewise, outbound migration is increasing in New York and California, with both states seeing rates of 58%.
Oregon, on the other hand, saw the largest increase in immigration (65%). The Beaver State attracts job-seeking immigrants looking to work in the region’s expanding technology and health care sectors. Although Oregon’s birth rate is below the national average, inbound immigration continues to influence population changes across the state, particularly in metropolitan areas.
In 2025, data reveal patterns of inbound migration in the Southern region states (with a few exceptions). The states with the highest number of arrivals were Oregon (65%), West Virginia (62%) and South Carolina (61%).
The best countries/regions for outbound travel in 2025:
States with the most arrivals in 2025:
This article originally appeared in the Asbury Park Press: New Jersey leads U.S. in outbound migration for eighth consecutive year
