California records the largest net out-migration among U.S. states

A U-Haul analysis placed California last on its 2025 Growth Index for the sixth consecutive year, and the company said the state's net loss in 2025 was smaller than in 2024.

More people left California than any other state in U-Haul's 2025 Growth Index, the company reported. California ranked last on the list for the sixth straight year. U-Haul noted the state's net loss in 2025 was smaller than in 2024. Reported highlights: - U-Haul's Growth Index is based on moves where customers rented in one state and dropped off in another, and it placed California last for the sixth consecutive year. - U-Haul said California's net loss in 2025 was smaller than the previous year. - A May report in The Journal of Consumer Research showed California had the highest net negative migration of -7,330 and cited the state's high cost of living as a factor. Summary: The U-Haul ranking and related research underscore continued net out-migration from California and highlight differences among states in attracting and retaining residents. Undetermined at this time.