A Census Bureau study released yesterday indicates that if Americans believe "there's no place like home," they must be thinking of the next one. We are an increasingly mobile nation.

• Each year, some 43 million U.S. residents change their abode.

• Half of those in the 16.7 percent of the population that relocates annually have lived in their homes five years or less.

• Half of renters live in their units two years or less, while homeowners stay put a median of eight years.

• Renters who are more than 65 years old and women tend to occupy their units longer than others.

The primary moving months are June through September, when 48 percent of the shifts occur. That's mainly because of school schedules and the inclement weather which occurs between November and May, the least favorite moving period.

Sources: Kristin A. Hansen, "Seasonality of Moves and Duration of Residence," p70-66, U.S. Census Bureau, October 1998; August Gribbin, "Mobility of Americans Considered a Problem," Washington Times, October 30, 1998.