Net Migration Rate Calculator
Calculate the net migration rate per 1,000 population.
People moving into the country or region during the year.
People moving out of the country or region during the year.
The total mid-year population of the specific area.
Population must be greater than zero.
Net Migration Rate
0
per 1,000 people
0
Net Change (Absolute)
Neutral
Status
How is Net Migration Rate Calculated?
The Net Migration Rate (NMR) is a critical demographic indicator that measures the difference between the number of immigrants (people coming into an area) and the number of emigrants (people leaving an area) relative to the total population. It is almost always expressed as a rate per 1,000 people to allow for standard comparisons between countries or regions of different sizes.
The Formula
To calculate the net migration rate manually, you can use the following formula:
NMR = [(Immigrants – Emigrants) ÷ Total Population] × 1,000
Where:
- Immigrants (I): The total count of people entering the region to settle.
- Emigrants (E): The total count of people leaving the region to settle elsewhere.
- Total Population (P): Usually the average or mid-year population estimate for the same time period.
- 1,000: The standard multiplier to express the figure "per thousand."
Example Calculation
Let's look at a realistic example to understand how the numbers work:
- Immigrants: 15,000 people enter a city.
- Emigrants: 12,000 people leave that same city.
- Total Population: The city has 2,500,000 residents.
First, find the absolute net migration: 15,000 – 12,000 = 3,000 (Positive Net Migration).
Next, divide by the population: 3,000 ÷ 2,500,000 = 0.0012.
Finally, multiply by 1,000: 0.0012 × 1,000 = 1.2.
The Net Migration Rate is 1.2 per 1,000 people.
Interpreting the Results
The result of the calculation tells you about the migration trends of an area:
- Positive Rate: More people are entering than leaving. This contributes to population growth.
- Negative Rate: More people are leaving than entering. This contributes to population decline.
- Zero: Immigration and emigration are balanced.
Demographers use this data alongside birth and death rates to calculate the overall population growth rate of a nation.