Patterns of Interstate Migration in the United States from the Survey of Income and Program Participation

The authors describe the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) as a data source for migration studies. The SIPP is a panel dataset that provides information on income, employment outcomes, and participation in government programs. Survey participants are interviewed for up to four years even if they move to a new household or that household migrates within the United States. This unique longitudinal design gives the survey a strong advantage over traditional data sources. The authors illustrate differences in the propensity for interstate migration among different demographic groups over the 12-year period from 1996 to 2008. They also analyze the relationship between migration choices and life-changing events, such as becoming jobless or dissolution of a marriage. Their findings suggest that future research should consider the migration choices of individuals near retirement age. (JEL J11, J24, J61, R23)