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Abstract
The present study investigates the impact on net state in-migration over the 2000-2004
period of a variety of economic and non-economic factors. The empirical estimates indicate
that the net state in-migration rate was an increasing function of median family income and
the previous-period employment growth rate on the one hand and a decreasing function of
the cost of living. In addition, net state in-migration was an increasing function of the
warmer temperatures, while being a decreasing function of the presence of hazardous waste
sites and pollution in the form of toxic chemical releases. Finally, net state in-migration was an
increasing function of state plus local government spending per pupil on primary and secondary
education and a decreasing function of the state individual income tax burden.