Data released by U-Haul indicated that Alberta and Calgary have been named the fastest growing province and city in all of Canada for 2024.
According to data released by the U-Haul Growth Index, it ranked Calgary in the top spot, citing that it accounted for 51 per cent of all one-way U-Haul users. The ranking also notes that Edmonton took second, rising from third in 2023.
The ranking is generated by each city’s net gain or loss of one-way equipment from customer transactions in a calendar year. The index itself is compiled from more than 2.5 million pieces of equipment transactions that occur across Canada and the U.S.
While U-Haul migration trends do not directly correlate to population or economic growth, they outline that it still serves as an effective gauge of how well cities and provinces are attracting and maintaining residents.
In terms of year-over-year changes, arrivals into Calgary rose nearly four per cent, while departures grew 10 per cent. Despite more people going that coming, Calgary continued to see the biggest net gain arrivals over any other Canadian city.
U-Haul company of Southern Alberta President Razmin Mansoub believes that Calgary’s continued growth is due to several factors like low taxes and overall beauty.
“The affordable housing also makes the city very attractive to other Canadian residents and newcomers to Canada,” Razmin said. “Calgary continues to be the top growth city because of the large amount of work opportunities available throughout the city, specifically in the health and education sectors. People come to find jobs here from other cities throughout Alberta and other provinces.”
Alberta maintains the highest growing province slot for two years in a row, followed by B.C., with Ontario ranked last. In terms of the biggest leap in growth, Newfoundland and Labrador jumped from seventh to third in 2024.
