The Great Migration

[King of Kensington]

Generally, it followed the railroad lines.  New York and Philadelphia attracted Blacks from the Carolinas and Virginia, in Chicago they came largely from Mississippi, while those from Louisiana and east Texas went to California etc.

It would be interesting to see stats for state of birth for the Black population say in 1970 for various cities.

[jimrtex]

Generally, it followed the railroad lines.  New York and Philadelphia attracted Blacks from the Carolinas and Virginia, in Chicago they came largely from Mississippi, while those from Louisiana and east Texas went to California etc.

It would be interesting to see stats for state of birth for the Black population say in 1970 for various cities.

Decennial Censuses

This was the best I found for 1970.

Census of Population and Housing, 1970
    1970 Census of Population
        Vol. II. Series PC(2). Subject Reports
             2A-2C. * - Title Page [PDF], Full Document [ZIP, 197.2 MB]

It has tables for state of birth v state of residence by race-sex.

[Gass3268]

Generally, it followed the railroad lines.  New York and Philadelphia attracted Blacks from the Carolinas and Virginia, in Chicago they came largely from Mississippi, while those from Louisiana and east Texas went to California etc.

It would be interesting to see stats for state of birth for the Black population say in 1970 for various cities.

To continue your point, African Americans in Michigan and Ohio generally came from Tennessee.

[jimrtex]

Generally, it followed the railroad lines.  New York and Philadelphia attracted Blacks from the Carolinas and Virginia, in Chicago they came largely from Mississippi, while those from Louisiana and east Texas went to California etc.

It would be interesting to see stats for state of birth for the Black population say in 1970 for various cities.

To continue your point, African Americans in Michigan and Ohio generally came from Tennessee.

Black males:

Maine resident in 1970: Born ME 28%, NH 14%, VA 8%, NC 8%, MA 6%, GA 5%, SC 5%, AL 5%, TX 4%, IL 3%, NY 3%, CA 2%, US* (no state specified) 9%.

New Hampshire (1970): Born NH 15%, NY 8%, GA 5%, LA 5%, VT 4%, AK 4%, CT 4%, FL 4%, DC 3%, IN 3%, CA 3%, ME 3%, MA 3%, NC 3%, WA 2%, US 13%.

Vermont (1970): Born VT 22%, NY 9%, GA 9%, PA 8%, FL 8%, TX 6%, IL 5%, CT 4%, DC 4%, SC 4%, AR 4%, US* 15%.

Massachusetts (1970): Born MA 51%, NC 5%, GA 5%, SC 3%, AL 3%, NY 2%, FL 2%, US* 9%

Rhode Island (1970): Born RI 45%, NC 4%, GA 4%, VA 3%, SC 3%, NY 3%, AL 2%, TX 2%, US* 17%

Connecticut (1970): Born CT 41%, NC 7%, SC 7%, GA 5%, VA 3%, NY 3%, AL 3%, FL 2%, US* 19%

New York (1970): Born NY 58%, SC 6%, NC 6%, GA 3%, VA 3%, AL 3%, US* 10%

New Jersey (1970): Born NJ 51%, NC 7%, GA 6%, SC 5%, VA 5%, AL 2%, PA 2%, NY 2%, US* 11%

Pennsylvania (1970): Born PA 60%, SC 5%, NC 4%, VA 4%, GA 4%, US* 12%.

Ohio (1970): Born OH 53%, AL 9%, GA 6%, MS 4%, TN 3%, KY 2%, US* 10%.

Indiana (1970): Born IN 52%, MS 10%, TN 6%, KY 5%, AL 5%. AR 2%, IL 2%, US* 8%.

Illinois (1970): Born IL 54%, MS 14%, AR 4%, AL 4%, TN 3%, US* 10%

Michigan (1970): Born MI 50%, AL 8%, MS 7%, GA 5%, AR 4%, TN 3%, LA 2%, US 8*

Wisconsin (1970): Born WI 40%, MS 17%, AR 7%, TN 6%, IL 3%, AL 3%, LA 2%, US* 13%

Minnesota (1970): Born MN 45%, MS 6%, AR 5%, IL 4%, AL 4%, MO 3%, TX 2%, US* 11%

Iowa (1970): Born IA 53%, MS 9%, MO 7%, AR 4%, IL 3%, KS 2%, US* 7%

Missouri (1970): Born MO 50%, MS 9%, AR 6%, TN 3%, US* 12%

North Dakota (1970): Born ND 0%, VA 10%, FL 9%, TN 7%, NC 7%, GA 7%, DC 5%, NJ 5%, AL 4%, NY 3%, MS 3%, IL 3%, PA 2%, TX 2%, US* 8%

South Dakota (1970): Born SD 16%, MS 9%, NY 7%, FL 5%, NC 4%, IL 4%, GA 4%, SC 4%, KS 3%, CA 3%, VA 3%, IA 2%, AL 2%, US* 10%

Nebraska (1970): Born NE 43%, AR 7%, MS 6%, TX 3%, MO 3%, AL 3%, LA 3%, OK 3%, KS 2%, US* 12%

Kansas (1970): Born KS 49%, OK 7%, AR 6%, TX 4%, MS 4%, MO 4%, LA 3%, US* 8%

[jimrtex]

Delaware (1970) Born DE 58%, MD 6%, NC 4%, PA 3%, US* 12%

Maryland (1970) Born MD 61%, VA 6%, NC 6%, DC 5%, SC 4%, US* 9%

District of Columbia (1970) Born DC 52%, NC 9%, VA 7%, SC 6%, MD 3%, US* 14%

Virginia (1970) Born VA 79%, NC 6%, US* 6%

West Virginia (1970) Born WV 70%, VA 8%, AL 5%, NC 2%, US* 5%

North Carolina (1970) Born NC 84%, SC 4%, US* 6%

South Carolina (1970) Born SC 89%, US* 5%

Georgia (1970) Born GA 86%, AL 2%, US* 7%

Florida (1970) Born FL 64%, GA 13%, AL 9%, SC 3*, US* 9%

Kentucky (1970) Born KY 74%, TN 4%, AL 3%, US* 7%

Tennessee (1970) Born TN 74%, MS 9%, US* 8%

Alabama (1970) Born AL 90%, US* 5%

Mississippi (1970) Born MS 91%, US* 4%

Arkansas (1970) Born AR 82%, MS 5%, LA 2%, US* 6%

Louisiana (1970) Born LA 87%, MS 4%, US* 6%

Oklahoma (1970) Born OK 69%, TX 9%, AR 3%, US* 6%

Texas (1970) Born TX 79%, LA 7%, US* 8%

[DINGO Joe]

Generally, it followed the railroad lines.  New York and Philadelphia attracted Blacks from the Carolinas and Virginia, in Chicago they came largely from Mississippi, while those from Louisiana and east Texas went to California etc.

It would be interesting to see stats for state of birth for the Black population say in 1970 for various cities.

To continue your point, African Americans in Michigan and Ohio generally came from Tennessee.

Tennessee didn't have a large enough A-A population to make that true, however there was a large migration of Appalachian whites to Michigan and I assume Ohio too.

[DINGO Joe]

The numbers indicate a hefty migration south too--into Florida, which makes sense as that economy really boomed.

[King of Kensington]

And today New York and Florida have large Caribbean immigrant populations - in NYC and Miami-Fort Lauderdale those of Caribbean origin probably outnumber the AA population at this point - but I don't think their numbers would have been very big yet in 1970.

[jimrtex]

And today New York and Florida have large Caribbean immigrant populations - in NYC and Miami-Fort Lauderdale those of Caribbean origin probably outnumber the AA population at this point - but I don't think their numbers would have been very big yet in 1970.

In 1970, Blacks born in Puerto Rico just missed the 2% threshold in New York. Whites born in Puerto Rico outnumbered blacks born in Puerto Rico by 15.7 to 1.

[King of Kensington]

Any data for foreign born Blacks?

[jimrtex]

Any data for foreign born Blacks?

The particular document I was looking at was primarily on the native population (born in the US or its possessions, or abroad to US parents). Overall 1.35 of the black population was foreign born. I'm trying another report.

White children were more likely than black children to have been born in another state. But by 40s and 50s, black adults were more likely to have been born in a different state.

It appears that in 1970, persons were classified as white natives, black natives, and foreigners. There are lots of breakdowns for natives of native parents, including by race and state, but very little for foreign or foreign stock.

[King of Kensington]

Yeah I didn't think it would that significant at the time.  Looking forward to the next batch of states!

[TDAS04]

Any data for California?

[jimrtex]

Any data for California?

Yes.

Note: I just added the remaining states of the South, up message.

[jimrtex]

Montana (1970) Born MT 6%, CA 11%, MS 8%, TX 8%, IL 6%, LA 5%, AL 5%, MO 4%, NY 4%, SC 4%, FL 4%, TN 4%, GA 4%, CT 3%, CO 2%, WA 2%, US* 8%

Idaho (1970) Born ID 18%, AL 7%, GA 7%, PA 5%, NC 4%, TX 4%, MS 4%, MD 4%, VA 4%, DC 3%, CA 3%, MO 3%, OH 3%, AZ 3%, LA 3%, FL 3%, US* 10%

Wyoming (1970) Born WY 23%, TX 14%, AL 8%, CA 5%, KS 5%, IL 4%, TN 4%, MO 3%, VA 2%, OK 2%, MS 2%, AR 2%, US* 6%

Colorado (1970) Born CO 31%, TX 11%, LA 5%, OK 5%, MS 3%, KS 3%, AR 3%, GA 3%, AL 3%, FL 2%, IL 2%, MO 2%, US* 7%

New Mexico (1970) Born NM 32%, TX 21%, LA 4%, MS 3%, OK 3%, US* 9%

Arizona (1970) Born AZ 39%, TX 13%, AR 6%, OK 5%, LA 4%, CA 3%, MS 3%, US* 10%

Utah (1970) Born UT 16%, MS 9%, TX 6%, NY 5%, FL 5%, CA 5%, WA 4%, IL 4%, AR 4%, GA 3%, LA 3%, SC 3%, VA 3%, TN 2%, PA 2%, AL 2%, US* 8%

Nevada (1970) Born NV 18%, LA 16%, AR 5%, TX 5%, MS 4%, CA 3%, AK 2%, US* 37%

Washington (1970) Born WA 30%, TX 9%, LA 8%, MS 5%, AR 4%, AL 3%, CA 3%, IL 3%, GA 3%, US* 10%

Oregon (1970) Born OR 35%, TX 12%, MS 6%, LA 6%, AR 5%, OK 3%, CA 3%, AL 3%, IL 2%, TN 2%, US* 10%

California (1970) Born CA 40%, TX 10%, LA 10%, MS 5%, AR 5%, AL 3%, OK 3%, US* 9%

Alaska (1970) Born AK 7%, TX 11%, LA 5%, AL 4%, KY 4%, NY 4%, MS 3%, MO 3%, IL 3%, OH 2%, PA 2%, US* 11%

Hawaii (1970) Born HI 11%, TX 6%, NY 6%, AL 4%, PA 4%, TN 4%, DC 3%, MS 3%, LA 3%, IL 3%, OH 2%, CA 2%, US* 10%

[King of Kensington]

California?

[jimrtex]

California?

Updated above.

[jimrtex]

Now based on place of birth. States are ordered by number born in state.

Georgia 733K (born in state, black males): Residing (1970) GA 65%, FL 9%, NY 4%, OH 3%, MI 3%, NJ 2%, PA 2%.

Interesting is that the outmigration to Florida which is more than double that to New York. Georgia is the only South Atlantic state with significant migration to the Midwest (OH and MI).

Mississippi 678K: Residing (1970) MS 52%, IL 14%, MI 5%, CA 5%, TN 4%, MO 3%, LA 3%, OH 3%, IN 2%.

The second-least share of those born in the state still living in the state. While migration to Illinois is dominant, significant migration to Tennessee, Missouri, and Louisiana, presumably focused on the river cities of Memphis, St.Louis, and New Orleans. This shows that migration was not only south to north, but also rural to urban.

North Carolina 672K: Residing (1970): NC 67%, NY 8%, NJ 4%, VA 4%, DC 3%, MD 3%, PA 3%.

The migration to VA, DC, and MD indicate migration to Hampton Roads, Washington, and Baltimore.

Texas 655K: Residing (1970): TX 81%, CA 10%

The high retention, and lack of interstate targets mean that migration was to Houston and Dallas, and other cities.

Alabama 641K: Residing (1970): AL 59%, OH 7%, MI 6%, NY 4%, IL 4%, FL 4%, CA 3%

Much more migration to the Midwest compared to Georgia. And Birmingham, Mobile, and Huntsville provide more jobs than in Jackson, so you see a slightly higher retention than Mississippi. There is also some migration to Florida, likely to Tampa and Miami, though there could be some to Jacksonville and Pensacola.

Louisiana 625K: Residing (1970): LA 71%, CA 10%, TX 7%, IL 2%.

Surprising is the difference in northern migration compared to neighboring Mississippi. New Orleans, and perhaps other cities contribute to retention.

New York 588K: Residing (1970): NY 90%

The northern state with the most born-in black males, most have stayed there.

South Carolina 548K: Residing (1970): SC 61%, NY 10%, PA 4%, NC 4%, NJ 3%, DC 3%, FL 3%, MD 3%

Like NC, SC has some migration to the next city north. Migration from SC, compared to NC, was more focused on NY and PA, and less on NJ, MD, and DC. It would be interesting if there was chain migration, where some pioneers from NC established colonies in Newark, Jersey City, or Camden then invited relatives to join them, where they could provide initial housing, and other help.

Virginia 470K: Residing (1970): VA 70%, NY 6%, MD 5%, PA 4%, DC 4%, NJ 3%

Virginian were a bit more likely to chose nearby areas that they may have been more familiar with.

Illinois 412K: Residing (1970): IL 88%, CA 2%

Similar to NY, but with the small draw of California evident.

Florida 387K: Residing (1970): FL 81%, NY 4%, NJ 2%.

Florida looks more like a northern state with migration to the southern cities Tampa and Miami, and just a small component from the rural north to New York.

Pennsylvania 337K: Residing (1970): PA 84%, NJ 3%, NY 2%

A small bit of leakage to neighboring states.

Tennessee 330K: Residing (1970): TN 65%, IL 7%, MI 5%, OH 4%, CA 3%, IN 3%

Generally northward to the Midwest.

California 291K: Residing (1970): CA 93%

Texas is the top destination at just below 1% (I've used 2% as the minimum for regular reporting).

Ohio 282K: Residing (1970): OH 87%, CA 3%

Like Illinois, the small outmigration is to California.

Arkansas 276K: Residing (1970): AR 50%, CA 11%, IL 9%, MI 6%, MO 5%, TX 2%

Arkansas retained the fewest blacks born in the state. Little Rock is relatively small, and the northwestern cities had not developed, and would not have been welcoming to blacks. Northward migration similar to Mississippi (Mississippi and Arkansas share the Delta region), but with also a westward component, that is somewhat less than Louisiana. You can also see that migration was targeted to Chicago, Detroit, and St.Louis.

Michigan 258K: Residing (1970): MI 91%

Nothing north of Michigan.

Maryland 241K: Residing (1970): MD 85%, PA 3%, DC 3%, NY 2%

Some leakage into nearby states (and districts).

New Jersey 209K: Residing (1970): NJ 87%, NY 3%

Similar to MD.

Missouri 172K: Residing (1970): MO 75%, IL 6%, CA 5%, MI 2%

Can't decide whether they are midwestern or southern.

District of Columbia 168K: Residing (1970): DC 77%, MD 10%, VA 3%

Presumably to suburbs.

Kentucky 126K: Residing (1970): KY 65%, OH 8%, IN 7%, IL 4%, MI 3%, CA 2%

Some cross the Ohio River, by far largest share to Indiana.

Indiana 108K: Residing (1970): IN 82%, IL 3%, CA 3%, MI 3%, OH 2%

Doesn't have the cities large enough to prevent leakage, plus may have post-Civil War population that moves on.

Oklahoma 97K: Residing (1970): OK 57%, CA 18%, KS 4%, TX 3%, MO 3%

Large outflow has depleted the black population. Similar results in AR, KY, and WV have left these states with black population shares near or below the national average.

Oklahoma with just below 100K black males is the last state I categorized. The next four states had about half the number of black males born in (WV 50K, MA 49K, KS 46K, and CT 41K)

[King of Kensington]

It is interesting indeed that Louisiana AAs went mostly west rather than north.  Looking forward to seeing Arkansas too - did they go westward in significant numbers or more towards Chicago/St. Louis?

[jimrtex]

It is interesting indeed that Louisiana AAs went mostly west rather than north.  Looking forward to seeing Arkansas too - did they go westward in significant numbers or more towards Chicago/St. Louis?

Remainder of states added above.

[ilikeverin]

Fascinating, jimrtex, thank you!

[TDAS04]

Fascinating, jimrtex, thank you!