Baby Boom Migration Tilts Toward Rural America

As Americans age, their likelihood of migrating, their reasons for moving, and their destination choices shift dramatically. Baby boomers are entering a stage when moves to rural locales increase, especially to areas with scenic amenities and lower housing costs. Net migration increased the number o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Amber waves 2009-09, Vol.7 (3), p.16-21
Main Authors: Cromartie, John, Nelson, Peter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Baby boom generation
Baby boomers
Careers
Couples
Economic development
Employment
Families & family life
Foreclosure
group behavior
Housing
Migration
migration behavior
Population
Quality of life
Recreation
retirement age
Rural areas
Rural development
Rural population
Suburban areas
Trends
United States
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Summary:As Americans age, their likelihood of migrating, their reasons for moving, and their destination choices shift dramatically. Baby boomers are entering a stage when moves to rural locales increase, especially to areas with scenic amenities and lower housing costs. Net migration increased the number of baby boomers living in nonmetro areas by 1.1 million during 1990-2000. If baby boomers follow the same age-specific geographic patterns of migration as their predecessors their presence in nonmetro locations will increase by 1.2 million in this decade and by 1.1 million during the 2010s, despite declines in their overall propensity to migrate. Over the next 10 years, baby boomer migration will likely contribute to a significant deconcentration of the population. The economic and social impacts of baby boom migration connect to broader age-related issues subject to vigorous debate at Federal, State, and local levels. Increased awareness of key factors attracting baby boomers to rural and small-town America will contribute to more effective, migration-based development strategies.
ISSN:1545-875X
1545-8741
1545-875X