More Than 30,000 People Moved to Tennessee in 2025, Study Finds

Issue #685

March 13, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 76, low of 56

📰 More Than 30,000 People Moved to Tennessee in 2025, Study Finds   

🚒 Barn Fire on Denning Lane Leaves One Person With Burns

👉 Saturday: Maury County Public Schools Career Fair

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

✨ Read our most recent LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT!  👈

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

More Than 30,000 People Moved to Tennessee in 2025, Study Finds 

Tennessee continued to draw new residents in 2025, ranking among the states with the highest net migration in the country.

A January 2026 report from moving service platform HireAHelper estimates that nearly 15 million adults in the United States relocated last year. The majority of those moves — about 78.49% — happened within the same state. However, more than 3 million Americans packed up and moved across state lines, with a large share choosing destinations in the Southeast.

When population changes are adjusted for size, South Carolina experienced the biggest influx of new residents in 2025. The state gained roughly 79.7 people for every 10,000 residents. Idaho followed with 63.2 new residents per 10,000, while Delaware recorded 54.5 per 10,000. Tennessee ranked fourth with a gain of 43.6 residents per 10,000 people, followed by Alabama at 36.6 per 10,000.

Looking strictly at total population gains, larger states naturally rose to the top of the list.

Texas recorded the largest increase, adding 68,318 new residents. South Carolina followed with 41,548, while North Carolina gained 30,947. Tennessee added 30,457 residents in 2025, placing it fourth overall, while Alabama rounded out the top five with 18,491.

Other states that experienced notable gains included Florida (+15,166), Georgia (+14,509), Idaho (+11,960), Oklahoma (+10,534), and Arkansas (+10,090).

While many states in the South and West saw population increases, others experienced significant losses.

California recorded the largest outflow of residents, with 98,568 more people leaving than arriving. New York followed with a net loss of 55,905 residents, while Massachusetts (-26,475), Illinois (-18,398), Maryland (-16,931), and New Jersey (-16,283) also saw substantial declines. Additional states with negative migration totals included Pennsylvania (-14,402), Virginia (-11,828), Washington (-8,252), and Kansas (-5,771).

Researchers say Tennessee’s continued growth has been driven by several factors, including its business climate and economic expansion in the Nashville region. Major corporate investments from companies such as Oracle and Amazon have contributed to job creation and broader economic momentum.

The report suggests Tennessee’s growth mirrors a pattern seen in other fast-growing cities such as Austin, Texas — where strong job markets, cultural appeal, and investment activity attract new residents.

However, the analysis found that Nashville’s economy has remained more stable in recent years due to its diverse industry base. Key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and logistics have helped support continued economic strength, even as some other fast-growing markets have begun to cool.

Housing trends also reflected that stability. The study noted that Nashville’s luxury housing market remained strong throughout 2025, with prices holding steady and the number of million-dollar listings surpassing Austin in certain segments.

Tennessee’s strongest migration surge occurred in August, when the state saw an increase of 12.7 new residents per 10,000 people.

The migration report is based on nearly 14.98 million recorded moves tracked in HireAHelper’s national relocation database between January and December of 2025. Researchers analyzed the data to examine where adults moved, how many relocations occurred within the same state versus across state lines, and the demographic patterns behind those moves.

Barn Fire on Denning Lane Leaves One Person With Burns

Click the photo for more images from the incident.

From Maury County Fire Department’s post…

MCFD responded to a reported barn fire yesterday, 3/12 @ 4:03PM on Denning Lane. Spring Hill FD responded on auto aid as well. Responding units: Engine 21, Tankers 21 & 32, Truck 21, Brush 32, OPS 20, Deputy 20, Spring Hill FD Engines 61, 64, 69, Rescue 64, Battalion 60, and Chiefs 61, 62, 63. 

Units arrived to fire showing from a barn and commenced with an offensive fire attack. Extensive overhaul was required. MCFD units provided an LZ for Maury EMS for a burn patient as well. 

We appreciate the response from SHFD and the continued great working relationship. 

Saturday: Maury County Public Schools Career Fair

Are you ready to launch or grow your career in education? We would love to meet you at the Maury County Public Schools Career Fair on March 14, at Spring Hill High School’s gym!

  • Connect with 24 school leadership teams.

  • Explore current job openings & career pathways.

  • Apply for positions on the spot.

  • Network with educators and leaders.

  • Meet Superintendent Lisa Ventura.

  • Learn how to become a teacher through our iTeach program.

Please bring your cover letter, resume, and dress appropriately.

Whether you’re an experienced educator or just starting your journey, this is your chance to find your place in Maury County Public Schools. Your future in education starts here!

When: March 14th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Spring Hill High School gym (1 Raider Lane)

Upcoming Local Events

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Friday, March 13th

Saturday, March 14th

Sunday, March 15th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, March 13
South Margin – Turnpike Tavern, 6–9 PM
Shannon McCue & The Harpeth River Boys – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
The Bird & The Bear – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Eastern Dreamer – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Escape – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, March 14
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Tom Wheatley & The Dead Strings – The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Savanna Kirby – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
South Bound Crows – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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