Where Are Kansas City's New Residents Coming From? (The Data Will Surprise You)

Where Kansas City's New Residents Are Coming From: U-Haul Migration Data Reveals Surprising Trends

Texas is the number one state sending people to Kansas City, but number two will absolutely shock you. And wait until you see which specific city is sending the most people here.

U-Haul just released their midyear migration data, and the results are wild. They looked at where one-way customers are coming FROM when they move TO Kansas City, and the patterns prove exactly what I've been saying about this city's momentum.

If you're new here, I'm Kyle, and I help people relocate to Kansas City from all over the country. And let me tell you, this data validates everything I've been seeing on the ground with my own clients.

In this article, we're going to break down where Kansas City's new residents are really coming from, why they're leaving those places, and what it means for anyone thinking about making the move. And if you're even considering relocating to Kansas City, whether that's in three months or three years, head over to movingtokc.net/info to connect with our team.

Table of Contents

1. The California Myth: Why California Didn't Make the List
2. The Big Surprise: Colorado at Number Two
3. The Texas Story: Why Texans Are Heading North
4. The Regional Draw: Omaha Leading the Charge
5. The Coastal Escape: Florida and Beyond
6. Within the Region: Missouri and Kansas Connections
7. What This Means for Kansas City Neighborhoods
8. The Bigger Picture: KC's National Positioning
9. Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
10. Making Your Move to Kansas City
11. The California Myth: Why California Didn't Make the List

Before we dive into the data, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the state that's NOT in the room. California didn't even make the top 10.

I know that might shock some people because we've all heard the narrative about Californians fleeing their state and taking over everywhere. And sure, that's happening in places like Austin, Nashville, and Boise. But Kansas City? We're not seeing it in the numbers.

California isn't sending massive waves of people here, and honestly, that makes sense. If you're leaving California, you're probably looking for one of two things: either you want to stay somewhere warm and coastal-adjacent, or you're chasing the next big boom town with a tech scene. Kansas City offers neither of those things, and that's actually a good thing for us. We're getting people who are making more intentional choices about quality of life, not just following the herd.

So with that out of the way, let's look at who IS actually moving here.

2. The Big Surprise: Colorado at Number Two

So Texas being number one? That makes sense. But Colorado at number two? That's the one that caught my attention, and it's personal for me.

My family and I moved back from Denver to Kansas City in 2020, and back then, people thought we were crazy. "Why would you leave Denver for Kansas City?" But now the data shows we were just ahead of the curve. Thousands of Coloradans are making the same move.

And I get why. We lived in a small 3 bedroom ranch in Denver and couldn't afford to move up. The mountains were beautiful, but everything was expensive and crowded.

Compare that to Kansas City, where we bought a four-bedroom house in Brookside for $400,000. The same house in Denver would've easily been $900,000 plus. And that was 2020 prices. It's only gotten worse in Denver since then.

But it's not just about money. Denver traffic became absolutely brutal. What used to be a 20-minute commute turned into an hour-plus nightmare. In Kansas City? I can get anywhere in the metro in 30 minutes, even during rush hour.

And here's what really sealed it for us: community. In Denver, everything felt transient. People were always moving, always chasing the next opportunity. In Kansas City, we found neighbors who've been here for decades, who actually know each other's names, who throw block parties and help each other out.

So seeing Colorado as the number two source state for Kansas City movers? It makes perfect sense. People are realizing that quality of life isn't just about having mountains in your backyard. It's about being able to afford a life worth living.

3. The Texas Story: Why Texans Are Heading North

Now let's talk about Texas, the number one source state. And this one's fascinating because Texas has been the darling of relocation for years. Everyone was moving TO Texas. So why are Texans now moving to Kansas City?

I've helped several families make the move from Dallas and Austin specifically, and the story is almost always the same: Texas got too expensive, too crowded, and too competitive.

Dallas is the number two metro area sending people to Kansas City, and I get it. Dallas home prices have absolutely exploded. What used to be affordable suburbs are now pushing $500,000 for basic starter homes. And don't even get me started on Austin. That market went completely insane.

But here's what's really killing Texas families: property taxes. Texas consistently ranks among the highest property tax rates in the country. I had a client from Austin tell me they were paying $8,000 a year in property taxes alone. Here in Kansas City, it's $3,500 for the home they purchased. And yes, Kansas City has had its share of property tax drama lately with Jackson County reassessments, but we're still nowhere near Texas levels.

Then there's the sprawl. Texas cities are absolutely massive and disconnected. Getting from one side of Dallas to the other can take two hours. Austin's the same way. In Kansas City? The entire metro is connected and accessible. You can live in Johnson County and work downtown, or live in Lee's Summit and meet friends in Westport, all within 30 minutes.

The Texas power grid issues haven't helped either. When you're dealing with rolling blackouts in the summer, suddenly Kansas City's infrastructure starts looking pretty reliable.

And politically? Look, I try to stay out of that stuff, but some families have told me they wanted to get away from the intensity of Texas politics, whether they're conservative or liberal. Kansas City feels more moderate and less polarized to a lot of people.

So when you combine lower cost of living, better commutes, and more reliable infrastructure, it's no wonder Dallas, Houston, and Austin residents are looking north to Kansas City.

4. The Regional Draw: Omaha Leading the Charge

Now here's where it gets really interesting. When you look at specific metro areas outside of Missouri and Kansas, Omaha, Nebraska tops the list. That surprised me at first, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.

Omaha and Kansas City are similar cities in a lot of ways. Both in the Midwest, both with strong economies, both with that friendly, community-oriented culture. But Kansas City has something Omaha doesn't: size and opportunity.

I've worked with families from Omaha who love the lifestyle they had but felt limited career-wise. Kansas City gives them that same Midwest feel with way more job opportunities, especially in tech, healthcare, and finance.

Plus, and this might sound silly, but Kansas City just has more stuff to do. Better restaurants, more entertainment options, professional sports teams, a real arts scene. For families with teenagers especially, that matters.

Des Moines is number four on the list, and it's a similar story. Great quality of life in Iowa, but people hit a ceiling, either career-wise or just in terms of what's available to do. Kansas City offers that next step up without forcing you to move to Chicago or Minneapolis.

And here's what I love about these regional moves: these families already understand Midwest values and lifestyle. They're not coming from California expecting palm trees and 75-degree weather year-round. They know what they're getting, and they're choosing Kansas City because it's genuinely better than where they were.

The Springdale, Arkansas connection at number five makes sense too. I actually had a client move here from Northwest Arkansas who lost his job right after relocating. I thought he'd be devastated, but he told me, "Kyle, I have way more opportunities here than I would have had if I'd stayed in Arkansas and lost my job." Northwest Arkansas has grown with Walmart and other corporate headquarters, but it's still pretty limited in scope. Kansas City offers more diversity in jobs, culture, and opportunity.

5. The Coastal Escape: Florida and Beyond

Now here's one that really caught my attention: Florida at number six. That's wild to me because Florida is supposed to be where everyone's moving, right? The "free" state with no income tax and endless sunshine?

But I've had clients from Florida, and their stories are eye-opening. Yes, there's no state income tax, but property taxes and insurance costs have gone through the roof. Florida's average annual homeowner's insurance premiums range from roughly $5,600 to over $11,700 in 2025. In Kansas City? My own homeowner's insurance is $3,500 a year, and that's considered high for here.

Hurricane risk is real too. I had a family from Tampa who got tired of evacuating every year and dealing with insurance claims. They moved to Lee's Summit and told me, "We'll take a Missouri tornado warning over hurricane season any day."

And Florida's growth has brought problems. Traffic in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando is now just as bad as any major metro. Schools are overcrowded. Infrastructure is strained. The paradise people moved to for quality of life is disappearing under the weight of too many people.

Illinois at number seven makes sense too. Chicago's crime and tax situation has people looking for alternatives. Tennessee at number nine is interesting though. Nashville and Memphis have been hot markets, but maybe people are realizing that Kansas City offers similar benefits without the tourist crowds and inflated prices.

Arizona at number ten rounds out the list, and that's probably Phoenix residents realizing that 120-degree summers and water shortages aren't sustainable long-term. Kansas City might have cold winters, but our infrastructure can handle it, and we're not running out of water anytime soon.

6. Within the Region: Missouri and Kansas Connections

Now let's look at moves within Missouri and Kansas, because this tells a different story. This is about people already in the region recognizing that Kansas City is where the action is.

St. Louis tops this list, and honestly, that breaks my heart a little. St. Louis is a great city with incredible history and culture. But economically, it's been struggling. Population decline, limited job growth, and some serious urban challenges have people looking west to Kansas City.

I've helped several families make the St. Louis to Kansas City move, and it's usually career-driven. Better job opportunities, growing tech sector, more corporate headquarters. Plus, Kansas City just feels more optimistic right now. There's momentum here that's harder to find in St. Louis.

Wichita at number two makes sense. It's the biggest city in Kansas, but people are discovering that the Kansas City metro offers so much more. Better schools, more job diversity, cultural amenities. And here's what's interesting: about 50% of our relocation clients end up in Johnson County on the Kansas side, so they're still technically in Kansas, just in a much more connected and opportunity-rich area.

Springfield, Missouri at number three is interesting because Springfield is actually a pretty nice city. But again, it's about opportunity and options. Columbia at number four is likely college graduates from Mizzou who want to stay in Missouri but need better job prospects.

And Topeka? Well, it's the Kansas state capital, but when people want the full urban experience with suburban options, the Kansas City metro is really the only game in town for this region.

7. What This Means for Kansas City Neighborhoods

So what does all this migration data mean for specific Kansas City neighborhoods? Well, different groups tend to gravitate toward different areas, and understanding that can help you figure out where you fit.

Families from Texas, especially Dallas, tend to love Johnson County: Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe. They're coming from expensive suburban markets and want similar amenities but at Kansas City prices. Blue Valley schools, master-planned communities, easy highway access. It's familiar but more accessible.

Colorado transplants, in my experience, tend to be more open to urban living. I've placed several Denver families in Brookside, Waldo, even downtown Kansas City. They're used to that mix of city energy and outdoor access, and they love that Kansas City has both without the traffic nightmare.

The regional moves (Omaha, Des Moines, Springfield) often end up in places like Lee's Summit, Liberty, or Blue Springs. They want that small-town feel with big-city opportunities, and those suburbs deliver exactly that.

Florida families tend to prioritize value and safety. I've had several end up in neighborhoods like Prairie Village or Parkville, established areas with good schools and that sense of community they were missing in overcrowded Florida markets.

And here's what's interesting: almost everyone mentions the same thing eventually. "People are so friendly here." Whether you're coming from an expensive coastal market or another Midwest city, Kansas City's culture stands out. We actually wave to neighbors. We help each other with groceries. We know each other's names.

8. The Bigger Picture: KC's National Positioning

So what does all this data tell us about Kansas City's position nationally? I think it proves that Kansas City is hitting a sweet spot that a lot of other cities are missing.

We're big enough to have real opportunities: major corporations, diverse job market, cultural amenities, professional sports. But we're not so big that we've lost our soul to traffic and cost of living.

Look at the pattern: people are leaving expensive coastal markets and oversaturated growth markets for Kansas City. They're also leaving smaller regional cities that don't have enough opportunity. Kansas City is right in the middle, big enough to matter, small enough to be livable.

And I'm of the opinion that the World Cup coming in 2026 is only going to accelerate this trend. When Kansas City is on the global stage hosting soccer matches, people who've never considered us are going to see what we've been building here. Modern airport, walkable downtown, riverfront development, streetcar expansion. We're not the cow town people think we are.

And here's the thing about migration patterns: they tend to build on themselves. When your coworker moves somewhere and loves it, you start considering it. When your neighbor's cousin finds a great job in a new city, you pay attention. Word of mouth is powerful, and right now, the word about Kansas City is spreading.

9. Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Now, this influx of new residents isn't all good news. More people means more competition for housing, especially in the most desirable neighborhoods. We're already seeing bidding wars in places like Overland Park and Prairie Village that were unthinkable five years ago.

Property taxes are a real issue, especially in Jackson County where the recent reassessment chaos has people frustrated. If you're moving here from a no-income-tax state like Texas or Florida, Missouri's income tax might be a surprise.

And let's be honest: Kansas City winters are going to be a shock for people coming from Florida, Texas, or Arizona. That first February is rough if you're not used to it.

But here's the opportunity side: Kansas City is still early in this growth cycle. We're not Austin or Nashville where prices have already gone crazy and infrastructure is completely overwhelmed. We're catching the wave at the right time.

The key is being strategic about where you land. If you're thinking about making the move, don't wait until everyone else figures out what these U-Haul customers already know. The best neighborhoods and best deals are still available, but probably not for much longer.

10. Making Your Move to Kansas City

So there you have it: the data that proves Kansas City isn't just growing. We're pulling people from some of the most competitive markets in the country. From Texas suburbs to Colorado cities, from Florida beaches to Illinois urban centers, people are choosing Kansas City for quality of life, affordability, and opportunity.

If you're watching this from one of those states (Texas, Colorado, Florida, or anywhere else) and you're curious about what Kansas City could offer your family, I'd love to help you figure that out.

Head over to movingtokc.net/info and grab our free relocation guide. It's got neighborhood breakdowns, school district information, cost of living comparisons, and all the insider knowledge you need to make a smart decision.

Whether you're just starting to think about a move or you're ready to start looking at houses, my team and I help people navigate this transition every single day. We know which neighborhoods will fit your lifestyle, which school districts match your priorities, and how to make the move as smooth as possible.

Because here's the thing: this U-Haul data shows that people are already figuring out what Kansas City has to offer. The question is whether you want to be ahead of the curve or chasing it.

Thanks for reading, and if this article helped you understand why so many people are choosing Kansas City, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. We're constantly covering what's happening in this city and why it matters for anyone thinking about calling KC home.

I'll see you in the next one.

Hey, I’m Kyle Talbot—Kansas City real estate agent, content creator, and team lead of Moving to KC the #1 relocation-focused real estate team in Kansas City. We help people relocating to Kansas City—as well as local buyers and sellers—navigate the KC housing market with ease.