PODS moving data reveals greater population stability in the Southeastern U.S.

June 9, 2010 - PRLog -- (CLEARWATER, Fla.) – Recent data released by PODS Enterprises, Inc., one of the leaders in the moving and storage industry, shows significant migration trend changes over the past year.

According to the moving patterns of PODS customers, in 2009, the southeastern U.S. reversed last year’s trend of significant net outbound moves from cities that had previously exhibited long-standing patterns of residential growth. An analysis of PODS moving data revealed that seven out of the top 11 U.S. cities with a reduction in the percentage of people leaving in 2009 were in Florida.  

PODS analyzes its internal moving data and compares year-to-year changes to track national moving trends. The findings reveal which cities and states are gaining or losing the most movers.

Fort Lauderdale was the No. 1 ranked city, showing 35 percent fewer people leaving in 2009 than in 2008. Other Florida cities showing high percentages of staying power were: Palm Beach (26.6 percent), Tampa (20.7 percent), Miami (18.7 percent), Sarasota (14.7 percent), Jacksonville (13.4 percent) and Orlando (13.2 percent).

In addition to exhibiting increased citywide stability, Florida continues to experience high inbound migration from other U.S. states. According to findings in a 2000 U.S. Census special report entitled “State-to-State Migration Flows: 1995 to 2000,” the largest state-to-state movement of people for the five-year period occurred between New York and Florida, with over 300,000 people moving south.

Analysis of the PODS data showing increasing stability in migration numbers offers a glimmer of hope for cities and states hard hit by the country’s economic downturn.

Cities with high percentages of increased inbound migration were: Honolulu (29.2 percent), Sarasota (27.7 percent), Fort Lauderdale (21.4 percent) and Seattle (14.0 percent).

“We feel our data is an inclusive representation of the moving industry as a whole,” said George Spowart, vice president of marketing at PODS. “Because of the flexibility of our services, PODS’ customers include everyone from do-it-yourself individuals to people who hire professional packers and loaders.”

Most moving and storage companies only track migration data on a state-by-state basis, but PODS tracks both interstate and city-to-city moving patterns.

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About PODS Enterprises, Inc.
Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides moving and storage services to a population of more than 240 million consumers, in 48 U.S. states, Canada and Australia through its company-owned and independent franchise network. To date, the PODS network has completed more than 250,000 long-distance relocations, exceeded one million deliveries and has nearly 140,000 PODS containers in service.

PODS secure containers are constructed of a steel frame and are available in three sizes: approximately 8-by-7-by-7 feet, 8-by-8-by-12 feet and 8-by-8-by-16 feet. The 12-foot and 16-foot containers have been tested to withstand winds of more than 110-mph when partially loaded. For more information or to schedule service, visit PODS.com or call 800-776-7637.