A Systemic Demographic Efficiency Analysis of U.S. Interstate Population Exchange, 1935–1980

Abstract

Evolving patterns of population redistribution within the United States are examined for the period 1935 to 1980. The demographic efficiency measure is employed to assess the compensating or non-compensating nature of migration to and from each state. This measure is then extended in order to examine the entire system of state-to-state movement streams. Using the analytical technique of Q-analysis, systemic change is shown to have taken place. It is argued that the geographic pattern change reflects a nexus of economic and societal trends associated with post-industrialism.