Out-migration, depopulation, and the geography of U.S. economic distress

This article uses data from the 1969 to 1999 period to examine the spatial extent and temporal persistence of U.S. economic distress as viewed by three different indicators: unemployment, low income, and out-migration-induced population decline. The basic unit of analysis is the commuter zone. The shifting geography of distress is summarized for the four census regions and three regions of traditional economic development concern. The research grew out of an effort to assist the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in a review of criteria used to target development assistance. EDA was concerned that it may be neglecting distress associated with out-migration-induced population decline; that is, that some regions may be deserving of development aid even if their level of distress appears moderate based on the traditional core criteria: low income and high unemployment. The authors address the practical and theoretical issues associated with out-migration-induced population decline as a type of economic distress and comment on the development priorities implied by each ofthe three indicators.