Internal migration and ethnic groups: Evidence for Britain from the 2001 census

Relatively little is known about the internal migration behaviour of different ethnic groups. This paper reviews existing evidence, and analyses 2001 Census data for Britain to provide an overview of patterns in the level of migration and the distance migrated, according to the characteristics of migrants and for diverse ethnic groups. Those who migrate in each ethnic group have similar characteristics, leading to the assertion that differences in levels of migration result mainly from differing socio-economic and age compositions of ethnic groups. This is confirmed through regression analysis. Differences in distance migrated, however, are not explained by the composition of ethnic groups, but may be explained by their primarily urban current areas of residence. Exceptions to the general patterns are highlighted as avenues for further investigation.