Migration, along with births and deaths, are the components that determine population change. Total net migration itself is a factor of two determinants: internal migration and international migration. Internal migration is the number of people moving from one area in the county, state, or nation to another, while international migration tracks the movement of the foreign-born and the emigration of the native-born. Because people move to areas that offer the jobs they need and the quality of life they desire, net migration is a useful tool in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a region, both economically and socially. Understanding the composition of a community, especially stemming from international migration, helps businesses and local governments predict the community’s changing needs, and plan for changes in service demands. Residual net migration accounts for natural net increases by employing the following formula: Residual net migration = (population in the latter year – population in earlier year) – (births – deaths).

Wake County leads the state in net migration. In 2013, migration accounted for about 63% of population growth within the County.

Between 2008 and 2012, 459 new residents moved to Wake County from Jewell County, Kansas, constituting the highest in-migration from any single county outside of North Carolina. In that same time period, 662 former Wake County residents moved to Harris County, Texas, representing the highest out-flow to any county outside North Carolina.

The United States Census Bureau publishes official county net migration estimates annually in March.

January 2015: Revised to reflect 2013 census estimates; corrected link to WCPS ESL program