Austin, January 9, 2026
Austin, Texas has climbed to become the third most popular city for movers in the U.S. as per U-Haul’s Growth Index for 2025, jumping from fifth place in 2024. The city is becoming increasingly attractive due to its robust tech sector, vibrant culture, and supportive environment for entrepreneurs. With Texas overall leading the nation in growth and gaining a 50.7% share of one-way traffic into the state, Austin is expected to continue its upward trajectory as a desirable destination for new residents.
Austin, Texas
Austin Rises as a Leading Destination for Movers in 2025
Austin, Texas, has emerged as the third most popular destination for movers in the United States in 2025, according to U-Haul’s annual Growth Index. This marks a significant rise from its previous ranking of fifth place in 2024, underscoring the city’s growing appeal amidst the landscape of economic growth and entrepreneurial innovation. The top three growth metros for 2025 are:
- Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Austin, Texas
As Texas continues to be a magnet for new residents, the state has reclaimed the top spot as the nation’s leading growth state, a position it has held seven times over the past decade. In 2025, U-Haul customers arriving in Texas accounted for 50.7% of all one-way traffic in and out of the state, showcasing a net influx of new residents. The top five growth states for 2025 are:
- Texas
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
The allure of Austin and its neighboring regions lies in a mixture of factors including a vibrant tech sector, a burgeoning cultural scene, and a collaborative environment for startups and entrepreneurs. Cities in Texas are increasingly demonstrating resilience and adaptability, leading to an entrepreneurial spirit that bolsters local economies. U-Haul’s Growth Index, compiled from over 2.5 million one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box moving container transactions annually in the U.S. and Canada, serves as a reliable gauge of how effective states, metros, and cities are at attracting and maintaining new residents.
Texas Cities on the Rise
Besides Austin, other Texas cities also featured prominently in the U-Haul rankings. McKinney, a suburb of Dallas, ranked sixth nationwide, while College Station secured the sixth position among U.S. growth cities. Additional mention is due to Seguin and New Braunfels, which appeared at 14th and 15th places, respectively. These rankings highlight the broad appeal of Central and South Texas as desirable places to live and work.
Ensuring Continued Growth
With the influx of new residents, there is a vital need for both infrastructure enhancements and regulatory reforms to sustain Austin’s growth. As Texas entrepreneurs continuously innovate, a leading approach is advocating for reduced red tape, which can facilitate business operations and attract further investments. By reducing unnecessary regulations, the state can foster an environment conducive to economic prosperity and job creation.
The Role of Community in Economic Development
The spirit of collaboration in Austin’s neighborhoods plays a significant role in nurturing the local economy. Small businesses and startups benefit immensely from community support, partnerships, and local initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth. As residents and business owners come together, the community’s dedication to fostering a robust economy becomes evident, ensuring that Austin remains a desirable location for future movers.
Conclusion
As we look ahead, Austin’s position as a top destination highlights not just its current growth but also future potential. With the right balance of local policy support and entrepreneurial initiative, Austin is set to thrive in the years to come. We encourage residents and readers alike to engage actively in supporting local businesses and staying attuned to developments that will shape our city’s economic landscape.
FAQ
What is the U-Haul Growth Index?
The U-Haul Growth Index is compiled from over 2.5 million one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box moving container transactions annually in the U.S. and Canada. It serves as an effective gauge of how well states, metros, and cities are attracting and maintaining residents.
Which Texas cities ranked in the top growth cities for 2025?
In 2025, several Texas cities featured prominently in U-Haul’s list of top growth cities. McKinney ranked sixth nationwide, College Station secured the sixth position among U.S. growth cities, and Seguin and New Braunfels appeared at 14th and 15th places, respectively.
What were the top three U.S. growth metros in 2025?
The top three growth metros for 2025 were Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Austin, Texas.
Which states topped the U-Haul Growth Index in 2025?
The top five growth states for 2025 were Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Three U.S. Growth Metros in 2025 | 1. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; 2. Houston, Texas; 3. Austin, Texas |
| Top Five Growth States in 2025 | 1. Texas; 2. Florida; 3. North Carolina; 4. Tennessee; 5. South Carolina |
| Notable Texas Cities in Top Growth Cities | McKinney (6th), College Station (6th), Seguin (14th), New Braunfels (15th) |
| U-Haul Growth Index Methodology | Compiled from over 2.5 million one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box moving container transactions annually in the U.S. and Canada |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
