📊 Big news for Arizona real estate! According to the newly released U-Haul Growth Index for 2025, Arizona ranks #7 in the nation for net in-migration, proving once again that people are choosing the Grand Canyon State as their new home! 🌵
As a REALTOR® serving Kingman, Golden Valley, and Mohave County, I'm seeing this migration trend firsthand. Let me break down what these numbers mean for our local market and why Arizona continues to attract new residents! 🏡
🏆 2025 U-Haul Growth Index: Top 10 States
The U-Haul Growth Index measures net gains and losses of one-way U-Haul rentals across more than 2.5 million annual transactions. Here are the top 10 growth states for 2025:
1️⃣ Texas (reclaims #1 spot for 7th time in 10 years!)
2️⃣ Florida
3️⃣ North Carolina
4️⃣ Tennessee
5️⃣ South Carolina
6️⃣ Washington
7️⃣ ARIZONA 🌟
8️⃣ Idaho
9️⃣ Alabama
🔟 Georgia
Arizona maintained its position in the top 10, ranking 7th in 2025 (up from 6th in 2024). This consistent top-10 ranking proves Arizona isn't just a pandemic trend - it's a long-term destination! 💪
📉 States Losing Residents: The Bottom 5
While Arizona gains new residents, these states saw the greatest net out-migration in 2025:
5️⃣0️⃣ California (last place for 6th consecutive year!)
4️⃣9️⃣ Illinois
4️⃣8️⃣ New Jersey
4️⃣7️⃣ New York
4️⃣6️⃣ Massachusetts
Notice a pattern? High-cost, high-tax states are losing residents to more affordable, business-friendly states like Arizona! 🚀
🌎 Where Are People Moving From?
Geographic trends:
✅ 8 of the top 10 growth states are in the South (including Arizona!)
✅ 6 of the top 10 are in the Southeast
❌ 8 of the bottom 10 are northern states (Northeast and Midwest)
Why the shift?
☀️ Sunshine and warm weather remain major draws
💰 Lower cost of living compared to coastal states
🏡 Affordable housing (especially land!)
💼 Business-friendly policies
🌵 Quality of life and outdoor recreation
🏜️ What This Means for Mohave County Real Estate
As someone who specializes in land sales in Kingman, Golden Valley, Yucca, and surrounding areas, I'm seeing the impact of this migration trend every day! 📈
Here's what's happening in our market:
🏡 Increased demand for affordable land - People escaping California and other high-cost states are looking for land they can actually afford!
🔌 Off-grid and solar-ready properties are HOT - Buyers want independence and lower utility costs
💧 Well water is a major selling point - Unlimited water access = huge value
🛣️ Highway 93/I-40 corridor properties - Easy access to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and California
💵 Owner financing is in demand - Many buyers can't qualify for traditional loans but have cash from selling expensive coastal properties
📊 Arizona Migration Numbers
While U-Haul doesn't release exact percentages for every state, Arizona's consistent top-10 ranking means:
✅ More people are moving TO Arizona than leaving
✅ Net positive migration year after year
✅ Growing population = growing real estate demand
Fun fact: Arizona has been in the top 10 growth states for multiple consecutive years, proving this isn't a temporary trend! 🌟
🚀 Biggest Movers: States with Major Ranking Changes
Biggest climbers in 2025:
📈 Oregon: Jumped from 34th to 11th (+23 spots!)
📈 Mississippi: +18 spots
📈 Colorado: +17 spots
📈 Nevada: +15 spots
📈 New Mexico: +15 spots
📈 Louisiana: +13 spots
📈 Montana: +12 spots
Biggest declines in 2025:
📉 Ohio: Fell from 14th to 43rd (-29 spots!)
📉 Virginia: -19 spots
📉 Indiana: -17 spots
🔵➡️🔴 Blue State to Red State Migration Continues
The U-Haul report notes a continuing trend of migration from blue states to red states:
✅ 7 of the top 10 growth states have Republican governors
✅ 9 of the top 10 went red in the last presidential election
❌ 9 of the bottom 10 have Democrat governors
❌ 7 of the bottom 10 went blue in the last presidential election
Why does this matter for real estate?
Political climate often correlates with:
💰 Tax policies
🏗️ Business regulations
🏡 Housing affordability
💼 Job opportunities
🌟 Quality of life priorities
Arizona's business-friendly environment and lower cost of living continue to attract families and entrepreneurs looking for a fresh start! 🚀
🏡 Why Mohave County is Perfect for New Arizona Residents
If you're one of the thousands moving to Arizona in 2025, here's why Mohave County should be on your radar:
💰 Affordable land prices - Properties from $24K to $500K+
📍 Strategic location - 2.5 hours to Phoenix, 1.5 hours to Las Vegas, 1 hour to California
🌵 Route 66 charm - Historic Kingman with small-town feel
🏜️ Outdoor recreation - Hiking, off-roading, Lake Havasu nearby
🔌 Off-grid opportunities - Solar-ready land with well water
💵 Owner financing available - Flexible options for buyers
🌤️ 300+ days of sunshine - Escape the cold and rain!
🏗️ Room to grow - Build your dream home or investment property
🤔 What Drives Migration? Life Circumstances + Lifestyle
According to U-Haul International President John "J.T." Taylor:
"We continue to find that life circumstances — marriage, children, a death in the family, college, jobs and other events — dictate the need for most moves. But other factors can be important to people who are looking to change their surroundings. In-migration states are often appealing to those customers."
Common reasons people move to Arizona:
👨👩👧👦 Family relocation - Following kids/grandkids or bringing family closer
💼 Job opportunities - Remote work flexibility or new career
🏡 Retirement - Affordable living on fixed income
🌵 Lifestyle change - Escaping high costs, traffic, and stress
💰 Investment opportunities - Land appreciation and rental income
🔌 Self-sufficiency - Off-grid living and independence
📞 Ready to Join the Arizona Migration?
Whether you're moving from California, the Northeast, or anywhere else, I'm here to help you find the perfect property in Kingman, Golden Valley, Yucca, or Mohave County! 🏜️
I specialize in:
🏡 Affordable land sales ($24K-$500K+)
💵 Owner financing options
🔌 Off-grid and solar-ready properties
💧 Well water and utilities
🛣️ Highway 93/I-40 corridor locations
📋 USDA loan assistance
🌵 Zoning and land use guidance
Let's find your Arizona dream property!
📱 Call/Text: 928-391-8371
🌐 Website: rachelsrealestate.com
📧 Email: rachel@rachelsrealestate.com
📚 About the U-Haul Growth Index
The U-Haul Growth Index is compiled from over 2.5 million annual one-way transactions across the U.S. and Canada. U-Haul operates more than 24,000 rental locations and has been tracking migration trends since 2015.
While rankings may not correlate directly to population or economic growth, the index is an effective gauge of how well states are attracting and maintaining residents.
Founded in 1945, U-Haul operates:
🚚 203,000 trucks
🚙 137,400 trailers
📦 41,700 towing devices
🏢 1,111,000 rentable storage units
🌟 The Bottom Line
Arizona's #7 ranking on the 2025 U-Haul Growth Index confirms what we already know: people are choosing Arizona for its affordability, sunshine, and quality of life! ☀️
And within Arizona, Mohave County offers some of the best value for land buyers looking to escape high-cost coastal markets! 🏜️
Ready to make your move? Let's talk! I'm here to help you find the perfect Arizona property! 💪
Welcome to Arizona - where your money goes further, the sun shines brighter, and the possibilities are endless! 🌵✨