People Stop Leaving Michigan in Droves

Michigan can finally breathe a sigh of relief, according to a new migration study from United Van Lines, a moving and storage company that has tracked migration patterns since 1977.

After 16 consecutive years at or near the top of the list of states with moving deficits, Michigan appeared in the "balanced" category for 2013.

The study classifies a state as "inbound" if more than 55 percent of the total moves are into the state, "outbound" if more than 55 percent of the moves are going out of the state and "balanced" if the difference of inbound and outbound is negligible. 

Michigan had claimed the top outbound spot from 2006-2009, according to the company.

"Michigan has joined the balanced category due to improvement in its economy over the past two years,” said Michael Stoll, economist, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles in a statement. “Despite having an unemployment rate higher than the national average, home sales and home prices are up showing an increased demand for housing, the state’s per capita income is up, and automakers in Detroit have rebounded and are hiring.” 

Oregon made it to the winner’s circle, indicating people continue to flock to the Pacific Northwest.

"Young professionals and retirees are drawn to amenities including public transit, green space and the local arts and entertainment scene,” Stoll said.

Moving Out

The top outbound states for 2013 were:

1. New Jersey
2. Illinois
3. New York
4. West Virginia
5. Connecticut
6. Utah
7. Kentucky
8. Massachusetts
9. New Mexico

Moving In

The top inbound states of 2013 were:

1. Oregon
2. South Carolina
3. North Carolina
4. District of Columbia
5. South Dakota
6. Nevada
7. Texas
8. Colorado

Balanced

1. Nebraska
2. Tennessee
3. Iowa
4. Alabama
5. Louisiana
6. Indiana
7. Michigan