Phoenix, Arizona, January 7, 2026
Arizona has been ranked as the No. 7 growth state for 2025 according to the U-Haul Growth Index, marking its sixth consecutive year among the top 10. The state continues to attract new residents and businesses due to its economic opportunities and entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a resilient community that thrives on innovation and job creation. The migration trend, particularly towards Phoenix, highlights the state’s appeal to individuals seeking new opportunities, supported by favorable living conditions and a dynamic economy.
Arizona Secures No. 7 Growth State Ranking
The Grand Canyon State continues to attract new residents and businesses, maintaining its position among the nation’s top destinations for economic opportunity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Arizona’s enduring appeal as a destination for those seeking new horizons is once again affirmed, with the state recently ranking as the No. 7 growth state of 2025 according to the U-Haul Growth Index. This consistent placement within the top tier of growing states underscores a dynamic economic environment that fosters personal achievement and offers fertile ground for innovation. For individuals and businesses alike, the decision to relocate often reflects a search for opportunity and an environment where effort can translate into tangible success.
This sustained growth is a testament to the resilient spirit of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and the broader community that continues to build a robust economic landscape. While the state saw a slight shift in its ranking, its consistent presence in the top 10 for six consecutive years speaks volumes about its fundamental attractiveness. This influx of new residents, often bringing fresh ideas and labor, contributes significantly to the vitality of the local economy and sparks further development across various sectors.
Arizona’s Consistent Growth Trajectory
Arizona has solidified its status as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, landing at No. 7 on the U-Haul Growth Index for 2025. This marks the state’s sixth straight year within the top 10, a remarkable achievement that highlights its sustained appeal. The U-Haul Growth Index specifically analyzes one-way transactions, calculating the net gain of U-Haul trucks arriving in a state versus those departing. Despite its consistent strong performance, Arizona slid one spot from the No. 6 growth ranking it held in 2024 to No. 7 in 2025.
The Lure of Opportunity: Driving Migration to Phoenix and Beyond
The consistent flow of individuals and families into Arizona reflects a broader trend of seeking new economic opportunities and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. This migration fuels the Phoenix AZ business landscape, as newcomers often arrive with an entrepreneurial mindset, ready to contribute to existing industries or establish new ventures. The availability of new jobs and ongoing housing developments are significant magnets, drawing individuals to the state and its vibrant communities. This continuous influx of talent and ambition reinforces the state’s capacity for innovation and expands the consumer base, creating a positive feedback loop for economic expansion. Phoenix itself ranked as the No. 5 U-Haul growth metro in 2025, indicating its significant role in attracting new residents to the state.
Economic Strength and Entrepreneurial Innovation
Beyond population growth, Arizona demonstrates formidable economic strength. While earlier reports in 2024 noted Arizona ranked 11th in the nation for real GDP growth over a quarter, and 22nd for the year, other analyses show Arizona’s trailing five-year GDP growth ranks it 7th out of all 50 US states for 2025. This impressive economic performance provides a strong foundation for the state’s appeal, signaling a healthy environment for investment and business expansion. Such a robust economic backdrop empowers Arizona AZ entrepreneurs to take calculated risks, innovate, and contribute to job creation, further enriching the state’s economic fabric. The synergy between a growing population and a thriving economy creates a powerful engine for sustained development, particularly benefiting Phoenix small business ventures that cater to the evolving needs of a dynamic populace. Small businesses in Arizona experienced a +4.32% increase, representing the seventh-highest small business growth rate Nationwide between 2020-2021.
Understanding the U-Haul Growth Index
The U-Haul Growth Index offers a unique perspective on migration trends by analyzing the movement of one-way U-Haul trucks, trailers, or U-Box portable moving containers. The index is compiled according to the net gain (or loss) of customers who rented equipment in one state and dropped it off in another state. This data provides a real-time snapshot of relocation patterns, reflecting decisions made by individuals and families to move for various reasons, including job opportunities, housing affordability, and lifestyle preferences. For Arizona, a high ranking on this index means it continues to be a preferred destination for those seeking new beginnings. The index is compiled from over 2.5 million one-way U-Haul transactions annually in the U.S. and Canada.
Fostering a Pro-Growth Environment
Arizona’s consistent high ranking underscores the importance of fostering an environment conducive to economic vitality. Policies that encourage investment, streamline business processes, and support local initiatives play a crucial role in attracting and retaining both residents and enterprises. Arizona’s appeal is also driven by factors such as its affordable living costs, appealing climate, and growing job market in diverse industries like technology, healthcare, and finance. The state’s ability to offer a blend of economic opportunity and quality of life ensures that it remains an attractive hub for individuals looking to achieve their personal and professional aspirations. This commitment to a pro-growth environment enables economic growth that benefits communities across the state.
Arizona’s standing as the No. 7 growth state for 2025, as indicated by the U-Haul Growth Index, is a clear sign of its ongoing prosperity and appeal. This consistent performance in attracting new residents and businesses is a testament to the strong economic foundation, entrepreneurial spirit, and diverse opportunities available within the state. From thriving Phoenix AZ business sectors to the determined efforts of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs, the Grand Canyon State continues to demonstrate its capacity for dynamic expansion. We encourage our readers to support the innovative Phoenix small business community and stay engaged in the exciting trajectory of Phoenix’s economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Arizona’s growth state ranking for 2025?
A: Arizona is the No. 7 growth state of 2025, according to the U-Haul Growth Index.
Q: How many consecutive years has Arizona been a top 10 growth state?
A: Arizona has ranked in the top 10 for six consecutive years.
Q: What is the U-Haul Growth Index based on?
A: The U-Haul Growth Index is compiled according to the net gain (or loss) of customers who rented a one-way truck, trailer or U-Box portable moving containers in one state and dropped off their equipment in another state.
Q: How does Arizona’s GDP growth compare Nationwide?
A: Arizona’s trailing five-year GDP growth ranks it 7th out of all 50 US states for 2025.
Q: What factors draw people to Arizona?
A: New jobs and housing developments, affordable living costs, appealing climate, and a growing job market in diverse industries draw people to Arizona.
Key Features of Arizona’s Growth
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Growth State Ranking | No. 7 on U-Haul Growth Index | State-level |
| Consecutive Top 10 Ranking | Six years | State-level |
| U-Haul Index Basis | Net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks, trailers, or U-Box portable moving containers (arrivals vs. departures) | Nationwide methodology, State-level result |
| GDP Growth Ranking (Trailing five-year, 2025) | 7th out of all 50 US states | Nationwide |
| Key Growth Drivers | New jobs, housing developments, affordable living costs, appealing climate, diverse job market | State-level |
| Small Business Growth Rate (2020-2021) | +4.32% (7th highest Nationwide) | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
