Extreme Weather Events and Population Migration: Evidence from Hurricanes and Population Out-migration between 1900 and 1940 in Florida

Abstract

Extreme weather events are a potential driver of population migration. Furthermore, residents can have different migration responses because of their personal features. This thesis studies the influence of hurricanes on population out-migration in Florida between 1900 and 1940. Furthermore, I investigate how residents' individual characteristics, such as race, nativity, and school attendance, influence their decision to leave under the influence of hurricanes. Using a new index of hurricane exposure, I find only a moderate effect of hurricane exposure on the probability of residents moving out, which contradicts previous studies. In addition, people from minority groups are generally 13\% more likely to move out of their original residences. People who attended school during a specified period are more prone to migrate regardless of their exposure to hurricanes. However, they are less likely to migrate out when the hurricanes become more destructive. There is no statistically significant impact of the nativity on out-migration when the hurricanes strike. This research highlights the impact of historical extreme weather events on population migration. Future studies can consider migration destinations since it is possible for them to migrate to areas that are also influenced by extreme weather events and examine the long-term effect of extreme weather events on migrants.