LANSING, MI (WOWO) Michigan’s population showed signs of stabilization in 2025 as inbound and outbound migration nearly balanced, according to data from moving and truck rental companies. U-Haul reported that departures accounted for 50.2 percent of one-way moves, a slight net outflow, while Atlas Van Lines found inbound migration exceeded outbound for the first time in years. United Van Lines reported inbound and outbound moves at roughly 49 percent and 51 percent, respectively.

The migration trends helped Michigan climb two spots to 41st on the 2025 U-Haul Growth Index, its highest position since 2020. The ranking also placed Michigan ahead of Ohio and Illinois in the Great Lakes region, though behind Minnesota, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Experts note that migration patterns are an important factor in tracking the state’s workforce and family-age population. According to Jaclyn Butler, Michigan’s state demographer, population gains or losses are influenced not only by migration but also by births and deaths. Michigan has an aging population, with roughly 20 percent over age 65.

Most moves to and from Michigan were for family reasons. United Van Lines reported 40 percent of inbound moves and 32 percent of outbound moves were family-related, while about 30 percent of departures and 19.5 percent of arrivals were work-related. High earners were more likely to move into the state, while lower-income residents were more likely to leave.

Michigan added more than 57,000 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, according to US Census Bureau estimates. The state’s Center for Data and Analytics projects modest growth of about 231,000 people through 2034 before a slight decline toward 2050.

Economic factors, cost of living, and housing availability continue to influence migration decisions. U-Haul and other moving companies noted that Southern states like Florida, Texas, and North Carolina remained top destinations for outbound movers.