U-Haul names Wilmington in the top 25 for 2023 city growth

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington saw the 22nd greatest growth of cities in the U.S. in 2023, according to the U-Haul Growth Index analyzing one-way customer moves during the past year.

The index says one-way U-Haul customers arriving in Wilmington fell two percent from 2022 while departures fell more than six percent as overall moving traffic slowed.

With fewer residents leaving, arrivals accounted for a greater segment of the overall DIY moving population in Wilmington. This led to a bigger net gain of U-Haul customers as the picturesque port city climbed on to the national top 25 growth cities list.

Do-it-yourself movers arriving in Wilmington accounted for 51.5% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in and out of the market (48.5% departures) in 2023.

“Wilmington is a port city, so it has historically always been a place of population ebbs and flows,” said Matthew McCoy, U-Haul Company of Southern Atlantic Coast president. “I think people enjoy Wilmington because it has charm. Wilmington is a great place to live, work and play. There’s a growing craft beer scene, unique restaurants, and it’s close enough to the New Hanover and Brunswick County beaches. The Historic District and Riverwalk are also attractive to residents because they provide wonderful eateries, galleries and shops.”

U-Haul found seven Florida markets among the top 25 U.S. growth cities, marking the seventh year in a row the Sunshine State has had the most cities on this list. The Palm Bay-Melbourne (Fla.) market is the No. 1 growth city.

Wilmington is one of three North Carolina markets to make the list, along with No. 7 Charlotte and No. 15 Wake Forest.