Structuring the Spatial Distribution of Residential Moves

Harold D. Deutschman

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DOI: 10.2190/VLHV-9037-NHD1-9G8R

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between the number of residential moves and the distance of move is explored. The expected frequency decay curve is developed, illustrating a decreasing number of moves with an increasing distance from the present residential site. The distance of move is also shown to be a function of household type, as household income, age of head, and family size are all determinants of the distance of the move.

The most significant finding in the study emanates from an analysis of distance of move with "environment score." When households are mismatched with their environment (low environment score), they exhibit longer than average distances of moves. A logical structure of distance of move, related to environment score, is developed, and verified empirically. This may be utilized in a synthesis of the distribution of residential moves. The data source for the study was the 1963 Tri-State Transportation Commission's home interview survey, a random, one per cent sample of the region's households, including 56,000 interviews and 15,000 residential moves.

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