New Estimates Show Discrepancies in Number of Americans Living Abroad
The exact number of Americans residing in other countries remains a mystery, with estimates varying significantly depending on the source. Despite the extensive count conducted by the United States Census Bureau every 10 years, US citizens living abroad are not included in the official population data, leaving their precise numbers undisclosed.
Various institutions have attempted to calculate the number of American emigrants and their destinations, but the estimates continue to differ. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs approximates the number at around nine million, which includes military personnel stationed overseas. HireaHelper, a private company, suggests a slightly higher figure, surpassing 10 million Americans residing abroad.
Contrastingly, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) provides a much lower estimate of 4.8 million Americans living overseas. The Association of Americans Living Abroad (AARO) presents a slightly higher estimate of 5.4 million, acknowledging the challenges in capturing the full scope of this population.
The top destinations for American expatriates also vary depending on the source. According to FVAP, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Israel, and France are the most preferred countries for American emigrants. Conversely, AARO ranks Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Germany as the top destinations for Americans living abroad.
Additionally, HireaHelper’s report titled ‘Where Americans Go When They Leave the United States‘ indicates that Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia are the countries with the highest population of American expatriates.
Economic reasons appear to be the primary driver behind Americans moving to other countries, seeking improved quality of life and cost-effective living options. The presence of retirees among American expatriates is noteworthy, with many choosing to relocate to countries offering better retirement benefits and healthcare services.
Despite the challenges in accurately determining the number of Americans living abroad, it is evident that Mexico and Canada remain popular destinations for American expatriates. The discrepancy in estimates underscores the need for more comprehensive data collection and analysis in understanding the complex phenomenon of American emigration.