For the first time ever, South Dakota recognized as the “Top Moving Destination” by United Van Lines in its 40th Annual National Movers Study

Since 1977, United Van Lines has been tracking U.S. migration trends, and recently released the 40th Annual National Mover’s Study. At King Companies we look forward to this report each year as it provides some great insight on the location preferences of our nation’s growing population, as well as the top reasons for relocation.

Some of the highlights from this year’s study that we found most interesting include:

• • For the first time in the history of the study, South Dakota secured the top spot as the most popular moving destination in 2016 with nearly 68 percent of moves to and from the state being inbound.
• • Arizona also joined the top inbound list in 2016, securing the No. 10 spot with 57% inbound moves.
• • States located in the Southern part of the U.S. continued to experience a high number of people moving in with 53 percent of total moves being inbound.
• • The northeastern part of the U.S. experienced a “moving deficit” again in 2016 with New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut ranking high on the list of outbound states. Additionally, Pennsylvania joined the list of outbound states in 2016, and Illinois moved up one spot on the outbound list to no. 2.
• • Vermont remained an exception to the outbound trend throughout the Northeast, ranking no. 3 on the list of inbound states.

This map created by United Van Lines provides a visual overview of the top inbound and outbound states for 2016:

It is important to note that there are many factors that affect the migration patterns across the U.S., and they vary from year to year. In our view, though, one of the most interesting data points from the 40th Annual National Mover’s Study is the finding that an increasing number of retirees are moving to states located in the mountain and western regions, which is driving the development of new retirement hubs in these states. At the same time, millennials are gravitating more to urban areas in the Midwest and northeastern states.

If you relocated across the country or to a different state in 2016, we welcome you to join the conversation by commenting on why you chose the location you moved to last year. Or, if you are planning to move in the coming year, what factors are you considering in choosing your new city of residence?

The 40th Annual National Mover’s Study was compiled by United Van Lines based on data gathered on household moves handled by United and its agents within the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. For more information on the study click here.

About King Companies
As an agent of United Van Lines, King Companies has the resources and expertise to be your “go-to” resource for all relocation needs. Whether you are relocating your household, moving an office, or are in need of logistics services, we strive to ensure that your next move will be the best you will ever make. Call us today at 800-854-3679 to learn more.

We hope that you will consider King Companies for your future relocation needs. To learn more about our services, visit is at www.kingcompaniesusa.com. And, don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ for our latest news and updates!