The Spatial Distribution of Quality of Life in the United States and Interstate Migration, 1965-1970 and 1985-1990

Authors: Rebhun, Uzi¹; Raveh, Adi²

Source: Social Indicators Research, Volume 78, Number 1, August 2006 , pp. 137-178(42)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

This study applies a relatively new method called `co-plot' to examine the relationships between the 48 contiguous states of the United States and selected indicators of quality of life in 1970 and 1990, and how these characteristics coincide with five-year interstate migration rates. The findings show an overall process of polarization of quality of life throughout the country. Strong similarity was found between states of a given division or region. The states which composed New England, the Middle Atlantic and the Pacific divisions are located in the strong sector of the socio-economic space. The direction of migration is toward states of the more external belts of the country. In the second part, multiple regression analysis was applied revealing a strong effect of economic incentives on migration; over time; migration turns into a widespread phenomenon among different socio-economic groups, with income becoming less significant as a predictor of interstate migration.

Keywords: co-plot; migration; quality of life; regression analysis; United States

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11205-005-8185-5

Affiliations: 1: Email: rebhun@h2.hum.huji.ac.il 2: Email: msraveh@mscc.huji.ac.i1

Publication date: 2006-08-01