Improving the Measurement of Net International Migration for State and County Population Estimates

Katherine M. Condon, U.S. Census Bureau
Sam T. Davis, U.S. Census Bureau

An important component of population change in the postcensal state and county estimates produced by the U.S. Census Bureau is net international migration. Based on internal evaluations, the distribution of international migrants at the subnational level is a problematic area for annual population estimates is being investigated for improvement. In this paper we will explore the effects of using the approaches from three vintage production sets (2001, 2002, and 2003) for the period July 1, 2000 to July 1, 2001 of county estimates by comparing the differences in the distribution of net international migration. Next, there will be an examination of the relationship between the distribution of the change in the foreign-born population and the component of net international migration at the subnational level. Finally, there will be an examination of the potential for improving the distribution of international migration at the subnational level for population estimates.