Determinants of Rural Migration Intent in Nebraska: Evidence from Rural Survey Data

Issues related to in-migration, out-migration, and within-state migration have been of interest to urban and rural planners, local and state governments, and researchers, among others, for many years. Why do some areas thrive and grow while seemingly comparable sites experience declining populations and challenges in providing the services people expect? Using a unique dataset that focuses on rural residents in Nebraska and their intent to relocate, this study uses a Probit model to assess the determinants of migration in rural Nebraska. Among other findings, it appears that rural outmigration intent is driven as much by the lack of rural amenities as by economic conditions.