U-Haul ranks the 50 states' migration based on what it calls “transactional data.” It counts one-way truck rentals; the number of moves coming and going. In Michigan there was plenty of activity with a 14% increase in the number of one-way arrivals to the state, but departures also climbed 15% year-over year. A net difference dropping Michigan from 40th growth state in 2020 to number 42 in 2021.
U-Haul says in Michigan the top growth cities are Grand Rapids, Walker, Southfield, Wyoming, Waterford Township, Troy, Rochester Hills and Ann Arbor. Other notable net-gain West Michigan cities include Ionia, Muskegon and Holland.
Nationally, Texas is the number one growth state followed by Florida and Tennessee. California came in last.
U-Haul annually counts more than two million one-way transactions.