U.S. Census and United Way
Crain’s Chicago this week posed an article on the 2010 Census. The theme? Businesses – and United Way – are super eager to hear the results. It’s true, we are. United Way Metro Chicago looks to support individuals, families and communities who most require assistance. The U.S. Census provides one guide* to able to do that.
But there’s an untold story about Census data. It lies in the American Community Survey.
It’s true that the 2010 Census will refresh our now-outdated 2000 numbers. Businesses will make marketing decisions and non-profits will be informed about new poverty trends.
It’s not true, however, that we only measure the population once a decade. The American Community Survey is an ongoing statistical survey taken annually, nationwide. Its results are publically available.
Here is one pro and one con for the American Community survey:
PRO: Results are not projections. Real people are surveyed using some pretty spectacular statistical survey analysis tools. i.e. This data is reliable.
CON: The survey is not good for estimating by small town populations or official census track. Cities of 65,000 people or more, counties, and metro areas are represented annually.
PRO: The ACS collects more information than does the once-per-decade census, and provides nuanced data at the higher levels. Oops, I added an extra pro.
The good news? United Way Metro Chicago is able to gauge community need more frequently than once a decade. But we still need a full turnout for the 2010 Census:
Click here to work for the Census in your neighborhood ($18+ an hour, full or part time). Click here to access your area’s most recent American Community Survey statistics.
*We have other guides to determine need besides the U.S. Census, including regular contact from local organizations and communities across the region.
Marc,
This is great because it busts the common misconception that census data is perpetually out of date and cannot be used to make decisions about projects or geographic areas to prioritize for funding. While its not perfect, the Census gives us a solid place to start to analyze trends, develop basic community profiles, etc.
Your fellow blogging and occasional data nerd,
Annette