Migration and geographic mobility both refer to the movement of people within and across boundaries, such as county, state, or country lines. These moves are often classified in one of two ways. Domestic migration refers to moves that cross an administrative boundary within the United States, such as those across county or state lines, a change of residence within the same neighborhood, or a move as short as within the same building. International migration refers to moves that cross a national border between two countries.

The Census Bureau produces and publishes a range of statistics on migration and geographic mobility using multiple data sources. For more information about these data sources and the products associated with them, see the Surveys/Programs page.

International Migration

International migration is the movement of people across a national border. This type of move includes both immigration (migration to a country) and emigration (migration from a country) or the combination of the two (net international migration). The U.S. Census Bureau produces annual estimates of net international migration for the nation, states, and counties in the United States. These estimates are based in part on data collected in censuses and surveys. Projections of the U.S. population are also made using estimates of net international migration.

Place of Birth

Place of birth reflects where people report having been born. Place of birth (domestic) focuses on the native population, as defined by the Census Bureau, and includes U.S. residents who were born in the United States or an outlying area of the United States and U.S. residents who were born in a foreign country and had at least one parent who was a U.S. citizen.

Place of birth (domestic) data compares people’s birth state with where they lived at the time of the survey. The data can be combined with current residence information to examine long-term migration patterns among the native-born population.

Place of birth (international) focuses on foreign-born populations, as defined by the Census Bureau, and provides information on foreign-born respondents’ country of birth. Detailed information about the foreign-born population is available on the Foreign-Born page.