Population migration remains one of the strongest long-term drivers of housing demand. The newly released U-Haul Growth Index reinforces the continued momentum toward Sun Belt markets, with major metros in Texas and the Southeast attracting a significant share of one-way movers.
Compiled from more than 2.5 million annual one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box® transactions, the index provides one of the most timely indicators of where Americans are relocating — often serving as an early signal of emerging housing demand trends.
Texas Returns to No. 1 Growth State
After ranking second in 2024, Texas reclaimed its position as the top U.S. growth state for 2025, marking the seventh time in the past decade it has earned the distinction. Arrivals accounted for 50.7% of all one-way traffic in and out of Texas last year, with inbound moves rising 3% year-over-year.
Florida followed closely behind, with 50.6% of one-way traffic representing arrivals and a 2% year-over-year increase in inbound customers. Notably, Florida has never ranked lower than fourth since U-Haul began publishing growth state rankings in 2015.
Meanwhile, South Carolina — which ranked No. 1 in 2024 — remained in the top five, reinforcing the Southeast’s sustained appeal for both workforce households and retirees.
Top 5 U.S. Growth States (U-Haul 2025):
1. Texas
2. Florida
3. North Carolina
4. Tennessee
5. South Carolina
Top 5 U.S. Growth Metros (U-Haul 2025):
1. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
2. Houston, TX
3. Austin, TX
4. Charlotte, NC
5. Phoenix, AX
Southeast Migration Supports Roers Companies’ Development Strategy
The continued strength of migration into the Southeast directly aligns with the markets where Roers Cos. maintains an active and expanding development pipeline.
In South Carolina, Roers Cos. is currently developing Marlowe, a 55+ mixed-income community located in Rock Hill within the rapidly growing Charlotte metropolitan area. With Charlotte consistently ranking among the nation’s fastest-growing metros and South Carolina remaining a top in-migration state, sustained population inflows are reinforcing long-term demand for well-located rental housing across the region. As residents relocate in search of employment opportunities, affordability, and quality of life, these migration trends continue to support the need for new multifamily housing in both primary and emerging markets.
Florida’s sustained migration strength further reinforces this regional outlook. Ranking second nationally for in-migration in 2025, and home to many of the country’s fastest-growing cities, the state continues to attract both workforce households and retirees. With five communities completed, under construction, or coming soon across Florida, Roers Cos. is strategically positioned to serve residents relocating to the state’s high-growth markets.
Austin, Texas: Building in the Nation’s Top Growth State
With Texas leading the nation in domestic migration and its major metros claiming the top three positions nationally, the fundamentals supporting new housing development remain highly compelling. Within the high-performing Austin market, Roers Cos. is nearing completion of two market-rate communities — Allers Landing and Wixby House. Austin continues to rank among the nation’s fastest-growing metros, driven by employment growth, economic diversification, and sustained relocation from higher-cost regions.
As inbound migration to Texas continues to rise, demand for high-quality rental housing remains closely tied to population growth, reinforcing the long-term fundamentals supporting multifamily development across the state.
Migration Trends Reinforce Long-Term Multifamily Investment Fundamentals
Migration remains one of the most reliable leading indicators of housing demand. The 2025 U-Haul Growth Index reinforces several themes that continue to shape multifamily investment:
– Sustained inbound migration to Texas and the Southeast
– Continued strength in job- and lifestyle-driven Sun Belt metros
– Expanding demand across both major metros and secondary markets
As households relocate for employment opportunities, affordability, climate, and quality of life, demand for well-located rental housing follows. The continued prominence of Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina in migration rankings supports the long-term fundamentals underpinning multifamily development and investment across these regions.
To learn more about investing in multifamily real estate with Roers Cos. and explore opportunities to expand and diversify your portfolio, please contact your investor relations professional or contact the investor relations team here.
