This sentence database has about 2,500 sentences including the word "whereabouts" from a mixture of US, UK and other online sources. http://fraze.it/n_search.jsp?q=whereabouts&l=0 When it is used as a noun, think of it as a synonym of "location". When it is used as a question word, think of it as "approximately where".

'Whereabouts do you come from?' is still said occasionally and will be understood. But as Axel mentioned above, you are much more likely to hear, 'Where are you from?' What country do you live in?', 'Where have you traveled?' 'What countries have you visited?'

I would strongly disagree with one of the posters who says it is uncommon. I use it all the time. Where are you is fine? What is your location. there are many. It will often depend on the exact context.

I use whereabouts all the time. It is not obsolete in England. We would ask a question like this; Whereabouts in England are you based? etc Hope this helps :)