The Census Bureau uses several surveys to collect information about migration and geographic mobility including the American Community Survey (ACS), Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC), and the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). While each survey has its own approach to defining a residence and move, these three data sources rely on a respondent’s self-report of having moved within a pre-specified period (e.g., within the last year).

No, our migration data come from surveys and measure previous migration. The Census Bureau’s National Population Projections Program tables take migration into account for State and National projections.

Yes, the Census Bureau publishes data products that contain migration flows, which reflect the number of people who moved from select geographic areas to another. For more information, visit the Migration Flows page.

No, we only collect data for people living in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the United States Island Areas.

Yes, the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC) asks about reason for move. This question was added to the survey in 1998. Geographic Mobility tables include reason for move estimates by type of move.

No, the Census Bureau creates estimates of foreign-born immigration and collects and publishes survey data on various characteristics of foreign-born residents in the United States (e.g., country of birth, year of entry).

The United States Department of Homeland Security Office of Immigration Statistics publishes statistics and reports on immigration based on administrative data.