This page serves as a repository for state-level migration flows data products, including tables with estimates of state-to-state migration flows and state of residence by place of birth flows. Data sources for these products include the American Community Survey (ACS), the Puerto Rico Community Survey (PRCS), and the decennial census. Table links are organized by data source.

State-to-state migration flows couple information about current state of residence and, if applicable, previous state of residence. These flow estimates inform our understanding of recent migration between U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

State of residence by place of birth flows couple information about current state of residence and place of birth. These flow estimates inform our understanding of lifetime migration.

Data Availability and Comparability

The ACS and PRCS have captured data on migration – by asking about residence 1 year ago – and on place of birth since 2005, the first year of full survey implementation. People living in group quarters (e.g., adult correctional facilities, nursing facilities, college/university student housing, and military quarters) were added to the ACS and PRCS samples in 2006.

Decennial censuses captured migration data – by asking about residence 5 years ago – between 1940 and 2000. Decennial censuses captured place of birth data between 1850 and 2000.

Due to differences in the 1-year and 5-year reference periods for previous residence, ACS and decennial census migration estimates are not comparable. Place of birth estimates are comparable across the ACS and decennial census.

American Community Survey Tables

Table

State-to-State Migration Flows

These tables contain estimates of state-to-state migration flows based on American Community Survey data.

State of Residence by Place of Birth Flows

Learn more about ACS 1-year state of residence by place of birth flows and access tables. (2010 – Present)

Decennial Census Tables

Decennial Migration/Geographic Mobility Data Tables

State of Residence by Place of Birth Flows - Decennial

State or foreign country of birth was asked on each decennial censuses from 1850 to 2000.

Decennial Census State-to-State Migration Flows

State-to-state migration flows from previous censuses are available in various U.S. Census Bureau publications. Some of the publications listed below are available online. Printed copies of the publications are available at Federal depository libraries.

Census	Publication Title	Number	Table	Page
1940	Internal Migration 1935 to 1940: Color and Sex of Migrants		16	27
1950	Population Mobility – State and State Economic Areas	P-E 4B	10	34
1960	Mobility for States and State Economic Areas	PC(2)-2E	16	72
1970	Mobility for States and the Nation	PC(2)-2B	44	316
1980	Geographical Mobility for States and the Nation	PC80-2A	11	85
1980	State of Residence in 1975 by State of Residence in 1980	PC80-S1-9	1	3

Some of the publications are available in pdf format on the Census Website. Printed copies of the publications are available at Federal depository libraries.