Muncipalities Attractiveness and the Pandemic: An Analysis of the Spanish Population Flows

Abstract

People's choices about where to live and work have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The media, as well as regional and urban literature, acknowledge that the ‘urban exodus' phenomenon occurred concurrently with the pandemic disruptive effects. This study explores how migration patterns shifted at the municipal level in Spain right after the pandemic shock, while also examining how the factors traditionally seen as population attractors have evolved over time. We analyse a range of demographic groups, distinguishing between internal migration within provinces and movement across provincial borders. Our findings indicate a clear change in migration trends: municipal size has become less relevant, and labour market conditions have also diminished in importance in interprovincial migration, while municipalities with a higher concentration of secondary residences have become much more attractive.