A Note On Interstate Migration And Tax Burdens: New Evidence

Abstract

This study extends the work of Cebula (1990) and examines interstate in-migration for 48 contiguous states based on the 1990 Census data. We find that the optimal value for the state and local tax burden is $1,943 per capita. Interstate in-migration rates are likely to increase (decrease) given a change in tax burdens, if the current tax level is below (above) the optimal tax level. We also find that more sunshine, employment growth, and income encourage in-migration and that higher heating degree days, percent of metropolitan area population, and violent crime reduce in-migration.