An Analysis of Migration as a Spatially-Dependent Correlate of Mortality

William J. Keith, Mississippi State University
Ronald E. Cossman, Mississippi State University
Jeralynn S. Cossman, Mississippi State University

The purpose of this study is to examine the spatial relationship between mortality and migration among Unites States Counties. Specifically, this study aims to establish migration as a non-trivial factor in the spatial patterning of mortality among United States counties, controlling for various socio-economic and socio-demographic correlates. Data for mortality are drawn from the CDC Compressed Mortality File. Data for migration are drawn from the Net Migration Patterns for US Counties Dataset produced by the Applied Population Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin. Data for control variables are drawn from US Census Bureau County-level estimates. Findings from this study indicate a non-trivial relationship between migration and mortality, net of various confounders. This study contributes to the present body of mortality as a population process and spatial phenomenon by demonstrating a non-trivial connection to migration.