In recent years, as some states have declined in population, others have attracted a significant number of new residents. At first glance, the country’s fastest-growing states seem to share certain characteristics, like warmer climates and better affordability. But these booming states also offer a host of other benefits that travelers can take advantage of, from beautiful national parks to unique food and art scenes. Check out the 10 states with the highest percentage growth in new residents from 2024 to 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

10. Tennessee

More and more people are moving to the Volunteer State. Tennessee added 63,785 new residents between 2024 and 2025, increasing its population by 0.9%. Tennessee’s relatively low cost of living, affordable housing, and plentiful tax breaks attract both retirees and families, though the state offers plenty of other benefits. See: Memphis for world-famous barbecue, Nashville for a healthy dose of country music heritage, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. 

9. Nevada

Nevada is the ninth-fastest-growing state in the country, with a growth rate of 0.9% over one year. The Silver State added 28,645 new residents between 2024 and 2025. While Las Vegas is an obvious draw for new residents and visitors, many others are choosing to live in Reno. The “Biggest Little City in the World” offers outdoor recreation in the nearby Sierra Nevadas while serving as a hub for culture with a vibrant arts district.

8. Arizona

Arizona’s hot weather is ideal for retirees, snowbirds, and sun worshippers, which likely contributed to the state’s recent population bump. With 0.9% growth between 2024 and 2025 (adding up to 67,394 people), Arizona offers an enticing combination of year-round sunshine and relatively affordable housing. People are also attracted to the state’s desert environment and majestic scenery, which includes the Grand Canyon’s painted walls, Sedona’s red rocks, and Saguaro National Park’s iconic cacti.

7. Washington

Washington state added 73,062 people between 2024 and 2025. The Evergreen State’s appeal includes strong job opportunities, abundant natural scenery, and a generally high quality of life. From the eclectic energy of Seattle to the quiet charm of smaller coastal towns, Washington offers a wide range of places to live, depending on your vibe. Outdoor recreation is also popular throughout the state, with Olympic National Park’s rainforests and dramatic shoreline being among the most unique experiences to be found in the Pacific Northwest.

6. Delaware

Despite its small size, Delaware has experienced steady growth, with a 0.9% population increase and 9,829 residents added between 2024 and 2025. The First State does have some major advantages for relocatees, including proximity to major East Coast cities and excellent tax breaks. It also offers a surprising variety of scenery, from bustling Atlantic beaches to historic small towns set amid rolling farmlands. During warmer months, coastal destinations like Rehoboth Beach are especially popular, offering miles of sand, an accessible boardwalk, and a lively nightlife scene.

5. Utah

An additional 35,921 people moved to the Beehive State between 2024 and 2025, representing a 1% increase year over year. Much of this growth was in Wasatch County, named for a Ute word meaning “mountain pass” — which may suggest that the mountains are at least partially responsible for the state’s allure. For history buffs, there are also numerous petroglyphs located throughout Utah, and for stargazers, the state is home to the highest concentration of International Dark Sky Parks in the world. Don’t skip Dinosaur National Monument, where you can check out dinosaur fossils by day and see the Milky Way by night.

4. Texas

The Lone Star State certainly can’t be described as lonesome anymore, with a 1.2% year-over-year population growth in 2025, totaling 391,243 people. Texas is home to over 31 million residents, making it the second-most-populous state, after California. A combination of a mild climate and affordable housing seems to be part of Texas’ secret sauce — although good barbecue might not hurt, either. With Texas’ increased population, its national parks have also seen notable growth — visitation to Big Bend has increased by 50% since 2016. If you’re seeking a quieter experience, check out Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which has similarly stunning vistas but with smaller crowds.

3. North Carolina

North Carolina added 145,907 people to its population tally between 2024 and 2025. The state’s desirability for transplants can be attributed to a combination of job opportunities, a lower cost of living, and access to both mountains and coastline. Charlotte has seen the state’s most explosive growth, with Raleigh-Durham — the tech hub for the Tar Heel State — close behind. To escape the hustle and bustle, Blue Ridge Parkway provides sweeping mountain views, while the Outer Banks offer long stretches of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline.

2. Idaho

The Gem State is no longer a hidden gem. Its 1.4% year-over-year population increase makes it the second-fastest-growing state in the U.S. New residents to Idaho — totaling 8,861 people between 2024 and 2025 — are often drawn to the state’s outdoor pursuits, affordability, and lower population density. Boise is also a tech hub in the Rocky Mountains, which means Idaho residents can find job opportunities and beautiful scenery at the same time. About three hours away from Boise, the Sawtooth Mountains provide the perfect mountain getaway, with access to Idaho’s pristine forests, rivers, lakes, and uncrowded landscapes.

1. South Carolina

America’s fastest-growing state by percentage is South Carolina. The Palmetto State has proved to be quite popular in recent years, with a 2025 population growth of 1.5%, resulting in 79,958 more people living in the state. As is the case for many states in the top 10 fastest-growing states, affordability is key in appealing to new residents, and housing costs in South Carolina remain lower than the national average. In addition to this lower cost of living, South Carolina has plenty to offer in the way of natural beauty, including sandy coastlines, barrier islands, swamps, tidal marshes, and quiet creeks. The state’s history, which you can explore on the Gullah Trail and at Civil War sites like Fort Sumter, is also expansive.