The Migration-commuting nexus in rural England. A longitudinal analysis

This research examines the commuting behavior of workers who have recently moved to or within rural areas in England. While internal migration and commuting are often examined separately, the present study sees them as interrelated, hence the term ‘migration-commuting nexus.’ This study uses the ASHE data in the first longitudinal study of changes in residence and subsequent changes (or lack thereof) of place of work. In particular, this study examines persistence and change of commuting distance status, the time trend of such changes, and their association with recent rural migration and with socioeconomic attributes of English workers. •The migration-commuting nexus contributes to the evolving structure of rural regions.•Only about ¼ of English workers commute a long distance (20+ km).•Rural in-migrants are especially likely to be long distance commuters.•½ of long distance commuter migrants reduced their commuting distance after moving.•Changing commuting distance is contingent on commuting distance prior to moving.•Migrants with high occupational and income levels seldom change commuting distance.