Urban Housing Status and Re-Migration Intentions Among Floating Populations: Evidence from China

Source abstract

Housing is a crucial determinant of population migration. However, the mechanisms through which urban housing influences floating-population re-migration, as well as its role in guiding the efficient spatial allocation of populations, remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of urban housing status on population re-migration based on the spatial equilibrium theory, and empirically tested this relationship using nearly 370,477 individual migration intentions records from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS). The key findings are as follows. First, urban housing status is related to shaping population re-migration intentions. In particular, owner-occupied housing and government-provided low-rent housing are associated with lower re-migration intentions. Second, institutional constraints on migrant populations can vary somewhat depending on household registration status. Rural-registered floating populations may sometimes face somewhat more restrictions in accessing urban housing and public services. By contrast, high-wage areas has less re-migration intentions primarily through labor income gains, leading to heterogeneous housing status effects on migration intentions. Further analysis reveals spatial and individual heterogeneity in how urban housing status shapes population re-mobility. Floating populations residing in first-tier, second-tier, and provincial capital cities prioritize employment opportunities. In comparison, first-generation floating populations, those with local spouses, and individuals engaged in low-risk occupations exhibit stronger demand for stable residence.