Debunking Myths About Domestic Migration

A post in reply to the question: If so many people are leaving New York and Los Angeles, why are they still growing?

1 minute read

April 19, 2016, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Year after year, some of the nation’s most dynamic cities are also the nation’s biggest losers when it comes to migrants. Yet rather than waste away, they continue to boom. This widely misunderstood paradox leads to some interesting articles every time the Census Bureau releases a new round of county population and migration estimates, as it did several weeks ago.

Outside of major urban centers, Juday acknowledges, "domestic migration numbers are generally a pretty good indicator of whether a county’s population is growing or shrinking." But with New York, Los Angeles, and Fairfax (VA) counties all on the list for leading domestic out-migration, defying the idea that domestic migration is a city-killer, what are we to make of this commonly quoted statistic?

There are two parts to that answer, both of which Juday examines in greater detail in the article. The first, according to Juday, is international immigration, and the second is natural increase and migration. The second point especially requires some nuance, which Juday describes clearly.

Monday, April 18, 2016 in StatChat

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

March 3, 2025 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Quiet tree-lined street in Stockholm, Sweden in summer.

‘Stockholm Tree Pit’ Saves Dying Urban Trees

After noticing that two-thirds of its trees were dying, Stockholm developed a new planting method to protect trees surrounded by concrete.

46 minutes ago - Reasons to Be Cheerful

Green Detroit public transit electric bus with high-rise modenr building in background.

Analysis: Just 5 Percent of Detroit Bus Stops Have Shelters

The city’s thousands of bus stops are sorely lacking in seating and shelters to protect riders from rain, snow, and sun.

1 hour ago - Bridge Detroit

Woman speaks at lectern in front of banner celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act in 2018.

Fair Housing Funding Cuts Open Door to Discrimination, Advocates Say

Federal cuts to grants for fair housing advocacy organizations could lead to ‘widespread’ housing discrimination as enforcement resources are reduced.

2 hours ago - Fast Company