Versions Compared

Key

  • This line was added.
  • This line was removed.
  • Formatting was changed.

...

The IRS Migration Database is a resource created for analyzing historical state to state and county to county migration in the United States. The data was compiled from the IRS SOI U.S. Population Migration Data and was cleaned, collated, and organized into one SQLite / Spatialite database. A number of free tools exist (like the SQLite Manager DB Browser) for viewing and manipulating SQLite databases.

...

While this data can be used to study migration of households (using filers) or individuals (using exemptions) there are limitations with the data that users must be aware of: see our documentation (below and in this blog post), the IRS documentation (on their website and included with the database downloads), and other studies for examplesdetails. For example, not everyone files taxes, so the data does not represent every possible move. The IRS implemented a number of methodological improvements beginning in 2011-12 which would impact any comparisons made before and after that time period.

For users who only wish to generate a simple report for an individual county or state for more recent years, you can use this tool provided by the MCDC.

 

NameFile TypeDownloadMetadata
State to State Database (1988-20132016)sqliteirsmig_state_database.zipXML
County to County Database (1990-20132016)sqliteirsmig_county_database.zipXML
Brief User GuidepdfUser_Summary.pdf 
Changes in DefinitionsdocData_Changes_Definitions.docx 
Workflow DocumentationdocIRS_Database_Workflow.docx 
(All documentation, including additional files, are included within each ZIP file for each database)

...

Example: Filers that moved to New York County between 2012 and 2013:

Database ScreenshotImage Modified

Disclaimer: Every effort was made to insure that the data, which was compiled from public sources, was processed accurately. The creator, Baruch College, and CUNY disclaim any liability for errors, inaccuracies, or omissions that may be contained therein or for any damages that may arise from the foregoing. Users should independently verify the accuracy of the data for their purposes.