This paper reports on a demographic study that focuses on the patterns of migration to and from specific metropolitan areas which contribute to nonmetropolitan growth and decline. For background, the paper examines some general properties of the United States migration system. Then the concept of metropolitan areas as redistributors of population…

Analysis of Current Population Survey data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census contradicts the popular allegation of significant population returns to central cities from suburbs. On the contrary, data reveal a continuation of the decades-old trend of migration away from metropolitan areas. (KH)

The report assesses residential segregation of Asians, Blacks, and Native Americans, and the relationship between their SES and the degree of minority suburbanization. The following results were found: (1) SES and education level are related to residential segregation; (2) as suburbanization increases, segregation decreases; and (3) differences in…