Faculty Publications

A Poisson Hurdle Model Of Migration Frequency

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy

Volume

26

Issue

1

First Page

37

Last Page

45

Abstract

The United States is characterized by relatively high migration rates. This study examines whether high migration rates are due to many persons relocating or to fewer persons migrating more frequently. To examine migration frequency we use a Poisson hurdle model to discern factors disposing persons to make an initial move and to move more frequently than others. We compare a migration frequency equation to a binomial equation to examine the differences and similarities in both approaches to estimating migration behavior. Our findings show that traditional studies that model the migration decision as the potential for one move overlook the motivation for subsequent migration which accounts for a large share of the labor mobility in the United States. Other results indicate that while gender, education, and wages are important in the initial decision to migrate, these factors no longer play a role once individuals overcome the hurdle of an initial migration.

Department

Department of Economics

Original Publication Date

12-1-1996

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