Abstract Background Discharge destination is an important factor to consider in order to maximize care coordination and manage patient expectations after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). It also has significant impact on the cost-effectiveness of these procedures given the significant cost of post-acute inpatient care. Therefore, understanding factors that impact discharge destination after TJA is critical. Methods An evaluation of socioeconomic, geographic and racial/ethnic factors associated with discharge destination to either home or institution(i.e. rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility, etc.) following joint arthroplasty of the lower extremity was conducted. We analyzed data on patients admitted between 2011 and 2014 for primary or revision hip or knee arthroplasty at a single institution. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques were applied to determine associations. Results Included in the analysis were 7,924cases of lower extremity joint procedures, of which 4836(61%), 785(10%) and 2770(35%) were of female gender, low SES and non-white race/ethnicity respectively. 5088(64%) and 2836(36%) were discharged to home and institution respectively. Significant predictors of discharge to an institution in the multivariate analysis include SESlow and middle SES(OR: 1.3, 95%CI: 1.02-1.57, p=0.029; OR: 1.3, 95%CI: 1.1-1.4, p=0.001); age(OR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.049-1.060, p<0.001), female gender(OR: 1.7, 95%CI: 1.5-1.9, p<.001), and TKA procedure(OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.3-1.6, p<0.001). Non-Black race/ethnicity were more likely to be discharged home(OR: 0.8, 95%CI: 0.7-1.0, p=0.027; OR: 0.8, 95%CI: 0.7-0.9, p=0.009). Conclusion Socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are important factors related to discharge destination following TJA. Thoroughly understanding and addressing these factors may help increase the rates of discharge to home as opposed to institution.