Full Citation
Title: Vermont's Domestic Migration Patterns: A Cause of Social and Economic Differences
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2015
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Abstract: This paper serves as the backdrop for this edited volume by paying attention to domestic migration flows into and out of Vermont, a state with such a small population base (barely above 625,000) that its vitality could be threatened by sustained levels of out-migration. The state's very low birth rate, a rapidly aging population, and low gains from international migration make the "growth or decline" balance from interstate migration a perennial issue of concern. The state's very recent net population outflows are modest and are typical of the Northeast. Vermont attracts an unusually vigorous stream of in-migrants, enough to give the state a relatively high proportion of residents who were born in other states, yet the stream of out-migrants has recently exceeded the stream of in-migrants. The educational levels of the transplants are well above that of most states and well above that of native born Vermonters who remain in the state. Data from five statewide surveys on quality of life in Vermont conducted by the authors provide unique insights into the perceived well-being of in-migrants and identify areas of distinctiveness compared to the native born population. Given the higher levels of education and income of the in-migrants, the authors were not surprised to find many quality of life differences between the two groups, but when controlling for demographic difference in a multivariate context, statistical differences between natives and the new migrants weakened or disappeared. Among the differences that remained, in-migrants have more confidence in the state government, are less worried about population growth in the state, are less likely to feel that they need to focus on themselves and their families, and are more likely to find life "exciting" rather than dull. New migrants also tend to be more environmentally sensitive, and with their higher incomes, are more willing to pay increased taxes to support their public priorities.
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Authors: Bolduc, Vince; Kessel, Herb
Periodical (Full): Northeastern Geographer
Issue:
Volume: 7
Pages: 7-35
Data Collections: IPUMS CPS
Topics: Migration and Immigration, Other
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