Net Migration

More than one million people live in the Hampton Roads metropolitan statistical area (MSA), but over the last seven years, the region experienced the lowest population growth in Virginia.

Why is This Important?

Net migration is a measure of people moving into and away from an area. The total net migration for an area is comprised of two parts: internal migration and international migration. Simply stated, internal migration is the number of people moving from one area in a country to another, while international migration tracks the movement of the foreign born as well as the emigration of the native born.

The flow of people from one place to another can be a useful tool in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a region, both economically and socially. People move to areas that offer the jobs they need and the quality of life they desire.

How is Hampton Roads Doing?

The Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA (Hampton Roads MSA) experienced a net migration loss between 2007 and 2008. Although there was a slight increase in international migration, a large deficit in internal migration resulted in a decline in population between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008. This outflow was so large that, even with the strong natural population increase (births-deaths) of 12,079, the Hampton Roads MSA had a net loss in population for the year.

Recent Change in Net Migration, By MSA, July 2007 to July 2008
  Total Population Change        
Geographic area Number* Percent Natural Increase (Births / Deaths) Total Net Migration Inter-
national Migration
Internal Migration
Virginia 70,304 0.9 48,725 22,243 19,565 2,678
United States 2,769,392 0.9 1,880,567 888,825 888,825  
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC -1,387 -0.1 12,079 -13,978 1,545 -15,523
Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC 55,368 3.4 15,944 39,121 4,734 34,387
Jacksonville, FL 15,415 1.2 8,594 6,444 1,676 4,768
Raleigh-Cary, NC 44,804 4.3 11,605 33,034 3,766 29,268
Savannah, GA 5,046 1.5 2,584 2,400 382 2,018
Winchester, VA -- leading VA MSA 1,462 1.2 793 683 133 550

Similar trends are visible when migration and population changes are considered over a longer period of time. Census Bureau numbers for Hampton Roads between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2008, also show net migration numbers significantly below those of peer metropolitan areas (MSA). Consistently strong birth rates kept the population from falling; however, the growth rate was well below the Virginia state population growth rate. The Winchester MSA is the fastest growing MSA in Virginia.

Change in Net Migration, By MSA, April 2000 to July 2008
  Total Population Change        
Geographic area Number* Percent Natural Increase (Births / Deaths) Total Net Migration Inter-
national Migration
Internal Migration
Virginia 690,064 9.7 376,015 321,605 162,200 159,405
United States 22,635,122 8.0 14,124,166 8,114,516 8,114,516  
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC 81,376 5.2 95,626 -10,461 -1,171 -9,290
Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC 371,274 27.9 108,911 268,137 44,413 223,724
Jacksonville, FL 190,478 17.0 60,127 134,985 11,953 123,032
Raleigh-Cary, NC 291,700 36.6 80,996 207,304 35,372 171,932
Savannah, GA 41,051 14.0 17,316 25,110 2,711 22,399
Winchester, VA -- leading VA MSA 19,373 18.8 4,997 14,835 1,271 13,564

What Influences Migration?

Economic factors, such as employment opportunities and costs of living, are influential in choosing a place of residence but they are by no means the only forces at work. A host of personal factors also influence migration such as age, family ties and aspirations, opinions on rural and urban lifestyles, and even climate preference.

Data Definitions and Sources

Migration and Population Change Data - Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau: Tables 2-5, 9, 10.

For further definitions or explanations of migration terms consult the U.S. Census Bureau. Note: County and independent city population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau explicitly account for overseas military movement, an important component of the Hampton Roads population change.

*Population change also includes a residual estimated by the Census Bureau that results from the incorporation of additional information. This residual is not reflected in the table of population change. Therefore, the components of population change will not sum up to the total population change.

See the Data Sources and Updates Calendar for a detailed list of the data resources used for indicator measures on Hampton Roads Performs.

At a Glance: Net Migration

Performance: Worsening

Highlight: The Hampton Roads MSA experienced a net loss in population between 2007 and 2008.

moving truck in front of house
Regional Programs & Initiatives

A program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Sync757, engages, empowers, and connects emerging leaders to the rich resources of the Hampton Roads region. Sync757 holds networking events, enrichment programs, and mentorship opportunities with a goal of attracting and retaining the young talent that is necessary for the region's growth and vitality.