Retirement and Interstate Migration

Abstract

Studies of the relationship of migration to employment have focused on migration during the early stages of work careers. In this study, migration of the recently retired is observed and found related to two factors unique to the last stage of work careers—retirement and concern for climate. Analysis of 1970 Census data shows that previous lifetime migration as well as the usual social class variables continue to exert an influence on migration. Migration of retirees to the sunshine states and to other states is predicted and differences noted between the two streams. An additive model of effects best describes the relationships observed. A broader understanding of the impact of retirement on migration is gained through a couple analysis in which joint patterns of retirement are observed.