NJ 7th in Gen Z In-Migration, According to U-Haul

According to the recently released U-Haul Migration Trends: 2026 Midyear Report, New Jersey ranks 48^th as an in-migration state. However, that is the overall picture. When looking at the GEN Z demographic (those born between 1997-2012), the state ranks 7^th as an in-migration state.

This is because Gen Z is gravitating to densely populated markets with numerous colleges, entry-level jobs, and apartment access, according to the report, with Texas and California top the list for this demographic.

Analyzing 52 weeks of customer moves including the first six months of 2026, U-Haul data indicates the renter’s generation, or stage of life, plays a vital role in where their moving truck, trailer, or U-Box^® moving container is going.

Sorting by generation groups and based on each state’s net gain or loss of one-way U-Haul equipment from July 2025 through June 2026, the data shows:

• Baby Boomers are flocking to the Carolinas. Six of the top seven net-gain states for Boomers are in the sunny Southeast and the other is Arizona — all hot spots for retirees or winter homes.
• Generation X and Millennials are typing Florida and Texas in their GPS more than anywhere else. However, each group’s preferences differ after that. Gen X keeps to the Southeast and Mountain West. Millennials are scattering to California and several Midwest states for their careers.
• Generation Z is gravitating to densely populated markets with numerous colleges, entry-level jobs, and apartment access. Texas and California top their list. New York, Illinois and Colorado follow, reflecting a diverse blend of geography and politics in their destinations.

GEN Z (born 1997-2012*)

Top U-Haul net-gain states (July 2025-June 2026)

1. Texas
2. California
3. New York
4. Illinois
5. Colorado
6. Washington
7. New Jersey
8. Florida
9. Pennsylvania
10. Nevada

Read the full article from NJ Business Magazine.