New data from U-Haul's 2023 Growth Index report reveals that Illinois was one of the top three states for outbound movers last year. The report, released on Tuesday morning, placed Illinois below only California and Massachusetts in terms of outbound migration.

According to U-Haul, movers showed a preference for destinations in the southeast and southwest regions of the United States in 2023. For the second consecutive year and the sixth time in eight years, Texas was deemed the most popular state for migration among U-Haul customers.

The U-Haul Growth Index calculates the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks arriving in a state or city against the net gain of U-Haul trucks departing from that state or city for a specific calendar year. With over 2 million one-way U-Haul truck transactions recorded annually within the United States and Canada, this index serves as a reliable indicator of migration patterns.

While the 2023 numbers did not reach the record-breaking levels witnessed immediately after the pandemic, the report highlighted several consistent geographical trends in U-Haul customer movements between states, noted John "J.T." Taylor, U-Haul International president.

In addition to the U-Haul report, new Census estimates indicate that Illinois has lost approximately 33,000 residents since July 2022. The state's population decline aligns with its ranking in the U-Haul Growth Index and suggests a trend of outbound migration for various reasons.

Meanwhile, neighboring state Missouri, which had been a popular destination for U-Haul movers in 2022, experienced a significant drop in its rankings. Missouri finished 28th in the 2023 U-Haul Growth Index, losing some of its appeal to movers.

The U-Haul Growth Index provides valuable insights into migration patterns and trends across the United States. As U-Haul customers continue to make choices regarding their place of residence, it is essential for states and cities to understand these dynamics and adapt their policies and strategies accordingly.

The detailed data from the U-Haul Growth Index report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders to study population movements and plan for future growth and development.