Factors determining the absence of intentions to migrate among residents of depopulating cities in Russia

Migration is often seen as a strategy for improving living conditions, job search, education, and security. However, despite the trend towards increased geographical mobility, a significant part of the population chooses to stay in their hometowns in situations where it would be economically advantageous to move. The population without migration intentions usually makes up the majority, which allows them to exert a decisive influence on the social and economic structures of their cities, aging on the spot. The gap in research on the lack of migration intentions highlights the need to understand the characteristics of those who prefer to stay in cities experiencing population decline. This study uses data from sample surveys conducted during expeditions of the Institute of Demography of the Higher School of Economics in the republics of Udmurtia, Bashkortostan, Buryatia, Khakassia, Sakhalin, Voronezh, Saratov regions, the Republic of Komi, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, and the city of Udomlya in the Tver region, in order to identify factors influencing the lack of migration intentions among residents of depopulating cities.