Migration balance in Russian Regions: Estimates based on current vital statistics and 2010 and 2020–2021 census surveys data

Abstract

Subject. This article discusses the issues related to the implementation of current registration of migration and the conduct of population censuses in the Russian Federation. Objectives. The article aims to conduct a critical analysis of the official indicators of migration growth (loss) in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Methods. For the study, I used statistical research methods. Results. The article identifies the regions of Russia with the highest relative migration growth and relative migration loss. For the majority of regions characterized by high migration growth, the census showed an underestimation of migration, and in regions where there is an intensive decline in the population, an underestimation of migration loss was revealed. Conclusions. An estimate of migration growth based on the balance of the population makes it possible to identify the undercount of migration, as well as to more accurately identify donor and recipient regions.