Where young Seattleites go when they leave
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The average young adult who grew up in Seattle and left here moved about 283 miles away, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Center for Economic Studies
- That's 102 miles above the national average of 181 miles.
Why it matters: The migration patterns of young people can help us understand regional labor markets nationwide, with comings and goings reflecting where opportunity is, according to a July report by the bureau and Harvard University.
- The research found migration distances of those from Seattle are longer for Black people, as well as those from the highest-income families, among other findings.
State of play: California is the top out-of-state destination for young adults relocating from Seattle, with Los Angeles ranking as the top metro area where they move.
By the numbers: About 75% of young people stayed in the Seattle area.
- Those from the lowest-earning families stayed at a slightly higher rate on average — about 75% — than youths from the highest-earning families (72%).
- Black youths and young adults who left Seattle typically moved farther away for their jobs (403 miles) than youths of other racial and ethnic groups.
- Asian youths who moved away traveled an average of 242 miles, while Hispanic and White youths who left both moved about 279 miles away.
Of note: The research used Census, survey and tax data for people born between 1984 and 1992 to measure the migration patterns during childhood and young adulthood.