Abstract

In this study we investigate the mobility behavior of displaced males and females regarding the main spatial mobility determinant: commuting. Using comprehensive geo-referenced administrative employee and firm data enables us to calculate the exact commuting distance and time between workers’ residence and workplace location. Our results show that displaced workers not only suffer substantial wage losses, but also high increases in the distance and time over which people commute. In addition, we show a recovering of both wages and commuting distance: the wage effect decreases from 16.5 percent directly after the displacement to 8.8 percent 10 years after and the effect on the commuting distance decreases from 20.8 percent to 3.6 percent ten years after displacement. Further, by discussing the long-term commuting adjustment as well as considering differences between urban and rural areas, we provide valuable insights into regional dynamics.