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The determinants of the intermetropolitan migration of the poor

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Abstract

In an integrated economy the movement of workers among regions is a natural part of the process of economic progress and industrial change. Migration is typically viewed by economists as a labor market adjustment mechanism in that labor migrates from areas of lower to areas of higher economic opportunity.

Migration of the poor has become a matter of increasing public policy concern in recent years, particularly in urban states that have experienced large inflows of low-income migrants. In this study regression analysis is used to identify some of the key factors affecting the migration of the poor into and among large metropolitan areas of the United States between 1965 and 1970. The results support the hypothesis that the poor migrate to areas offering higher welfare benefits. The results also suggest that the poor migrate towards areas which offer more employment opportunities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, USA

    Frederic B. Glantz (Economist)

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  1. Frederic B. Glantz
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The analysis and conclusions of this paper represent the views of the author and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or its staff.

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Glantz, F.B. The determinants of the intermetropolitan migration of the poor. Ann Reg Sci 9, 25–39 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01287422

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01287422

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