UPDATE: Massachusetts has improved its out-migration ranking but remains in a troubling position, according to U-Haul’s 2026 Growth Index Report. The Bay State now ranks 46th in the nation for one-way U-Haul customer exits, a slight increase from 49th in the previous year.
Despite this marginal improvement, the news is still concerning. Massachusetts joins other Democrat-controlled states like California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois as top contenders for resident losses. U-Haul’s data reveals that the state’s one-way departures outnumbered arrivals by 51.8% to 48.2% last year.
Authorities report that these statistics reflect ongoing issues such as high taxes, rising housing costs, and stringent climate mandates. Paul Diego Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, stated, “This data tells a very different story. When people are voting with their feet year after year, it’s not because of the weather.” He urged lawmakers to reconsider the state’s tax policies and climate regulations to stem the outflow.
On the flip side, Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition supporting a 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million, highlighted that the tax has increased the number of millionaires in the state. Spokesman Andrew Farnitano argued that “working families in Massachusetts are clearly struggling with the high cost of living.” He emphasized the need for the wealthy and large corporations to contribute more to address the affordability crisis.
U-Haul’s rankings are based on data from over 24,000 rental locations, comparing one-way arrivals and departures. The moving company notes that the rankings do not directly correlate with population growth but serve as an effective gauge for states’ abilities to attract and retain residents.
The report also shows a significant trend: Southern states dominate the top destinations, with Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina leading the inflow. In contrast, Northern states, including Massachusetts, rank among the least favorable locations for movers.
MassGOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale attributed the state’s poor U-Haul ranking to “failed leadership under Gov. Maura Healey.” She criticized rising taxes and utility bills, asserting they have made Massachusetts less competitive.
In response, a spokesperson for Gov. Healey, Karissa Hand, defended the state, citing its accolades for being the “best state economy” and the top location for families and working parents.
As the U-Haul report indicates, the trend of out-migration appears to be more than just anecdotal. The implications for Massachusetts are significant as residents continue to seek more affordable living conditions elsewhere.
The next steps for state leadership will be crucial. Will they heed these warnings and adjust policies to retain their residents? The clock is ticking as Massachusetts grapples with its image amid rising costs and declining resident satisfaction.
Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing issue.
