1. Census Data Workshop Data Access Tools
Genora F. Barber, Information Services Specialist
Gale D. Brock, Information Services Assistant
Data Dissemination Specialists:
Gerson D. Vasquez
Vicki Mack
Kelly Karres
Marilyn E. Stephens
Thank you for participating. I want to encourage you continue to explore our website, and please feel free to give me or any one else on our staff a call, if you need further assistance. You can reach me directly at or ; I can also be reached via at Thank you, again.
Request a Census Data Workshop:
U.S. Census Bureau
Atlanta Region

2. Census Data Workshop Agenda
Mission
Overview of Key Data Sets
Data Tools – A Quick Look
American FactFinder, in depth
Questions & Answers

3. U.S. Census Bureau Mission
The Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. We honor privacy, protect confidentiality, share our expertise globally, and conduct our work openly. We are guided on this mission by our strong and capable workforce, our readiness to innovate and our abiding Commitment to our Customers
(after going over this slide…) I want to focus on the part that reads, “our readiness to innovate.” The Census Bureau continues to innovate, overall, and specifically regarding the data. Later on, you will see new data visualization techniques in the form of interactive maps, and quick methods of pulling data using an internet search-type setup. These are all things that benefit those trying to access data, of all types.

4. People, Places and Economy Key Data Collected
Income and poverty
Employment status
Health insurance coverage
Housing values
Costs of owning/renting
Business information
Economic indicators
People
Population size
Age
Sex
Race & Hispanic origin
Education
Foreign-born
Families
Language ability
Places – Localize!

5. Importance of the Census The foundation of a democracy
Congressionally mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution
First Census was in 1790
Why do we conduct the Census?
Congressional Apportionment
Redistricting
Data is used to allocate more than 435 billions of dollars in federal funds
The Decennial Census is the product most people are familiar with, was last completed in The three top reasons why we do a Decennial Census are…
Number 1, Census data is used in Congressional Apportionment every decade. The numbers are used to determine how many Congressmen and Congresswomen are allocated to each state. I’m sure many of you have been reading stories or hearing about certain states losing or gaining congressional seats; the decennial Census numbers determine that. (If a question arises about that process, presenter may opt to “go live” to
Secondly, decennial figures are used by states and local officials in Redistricting. The drawing of voting districts and congressional districts are heavily dictated by census data. (If a question arises about that process, presenter may opt to “go live” to
Thirdly, the data is used to allocate billions of dollars in federal funds to state and local governments through federal programs and grants. (If a question arises about that process, presenter may opt to “go live” to

6. Demographic Surveys Beyond the Decennial Census
Current Population Survey (CPS) – Primary source of labor force information and leading economic indicator of monthly employment/unemployment
Consumers Expenditure Survey (CE)- Used to determine the Consumer Price Index
National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)- Used by law enforcement
Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP)- Used for evaluating Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid
National Health Insurance Survey (HIS)- Used by National Center for Disease Control
National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) – Provides information on the health problems of ambulatory patients
National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) –Provides information on health problems of Ambulatory patients in the ER and outpatient departments.
There are several other surveys that we conduct. Taking a look at this list - you may or may not know that data that you hear on a regularly basis comes from the Census Bureau. The most talked about might be the National Unemployment Rate, which comes from our Current Population Survey; we conduct this survey for the Department of Labor, and they put out the final numbers (hence, they get the spotlight).
Another hot topic revolves around the Cost of Living, which is calculated using the Consumer Price Index, which is determined based on data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey - another survey that we do for the Department of Labor. We also conduct surveys for the Department of Health, the Department of Justice, etc. LINK:

7. Population Estimates U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division
base population
(2) births to women residing in the U.S.
(3) deaths to persons residing in the U.S.
(4) net international migrants
The base procedure to estimate population.
The reference date for estimates is July 1.
The Population Estimates Program publishes total resident population estimates and demographic components of change (births, deaths, and migration) each year. We also publish the estimates by demographic characteristics (age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin) for the nation, states, and counties.
Estimates usually are for the present and the past, while projections are estimates of the population for future dates. We develop these estimates with the assistance of the Federal State Cooperative Program for Population Estimates (FSCPE).
With each new issue of July 1 estimates, we revise estimates for years back to the last census. Previously published estimates are superseded and archived. The Population Estimates are also available on American Factfinder. LINK:

8. Decennial Census and ACS A Portrait of America
Demographic, and housing information: Complete counts from questions collected on both the short form and the long form.
General Demographic Characteristics
Population by Race and Hispanic or Latino origin: Counties, Places (cities) and smaller geographies
Estimates based on the one-in-six sample of housing units that received the long form:
- Social Characteristics
- Economic Characteristics
- Housing Characteristics
To better understand where we are today, let’s look back a bit, to Census Census 2000 was the last decennial count that had two forms. The short form collected the same data you saw collected in 2010 – race, ethnicity (Hispanic or Non-Hispanic), age, gender, tenure and relationship (to Person 1)…on the way to the total count. The long form collected more detailed social, economic, demographic and housing characteristics.
The 2010 Census only collected information found previously on the short form. We now collect information such as that found on the long form in our American Community Survey.
2010 Census
Only 10 Questions

9. What is the ACS? A Closer Look
A large, continuous survey that:
samples approximately 3.54 million resident addresses per year (about 290,000 per month)
produces characteristics of population and housing
produces estimates for small areas and small population groups
ACS Facts:
The ACS is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau‘s decennial census plan. The ACS collects information such as age, race, income, commute time to work, home value, veteran status, and other important data from the U.S. population.
It is sent to 3.54 million households throughout the year. It produces annual demographic data within 9 months, and it is the world’s largest survey.
--Addresses in the United States and Puerto Rico are randomly selected, all year, every year. Some American Community Survey questions have been asked by the census since it first began in 1790.
Our obligation to answer, and the Census Bureau’s commitment to confidentiality, are in Title 13 of the U.S. Code.
Go to for more info.
Handbooks for ACS data users:

10. ACS and Decennial Census A Portrait of America
The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau's decennial census program. There are approximately 3 million housing units “in sample,” annually, and the estimates change the primary focus to more current estimates than the long form.
The ACS collects information such as age, race, income, commute time to work, home value, veteran status, and other important data. As with the 2010 decennial census, information about individuals will remain confidential.
The ACS collects the information that was previously asked on the Census 2000 long form. This offers the advantage of having yearly data, though there are thresholds that we need to go over.
In December of 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau released the first 5-Year Estimate of the American Community Survey. This data set, due to its larger aggregated sampling base, allows data to be put out down to the Census block group level (note MOE volatility at smaller geographic levels).

11. 2010 Census and ACS A Portrait of America
Population count
Population characteristics
Short form only
Includes short form questions
Only long form is for U.S. territories, except PR
Conducted in Puerto Rico
“Usual residence” rule
“Current residence” rule
Point in time
Period of time
The ACS was developed to:
-Focus the Census on improving the population count
-Provide characteristic data more than once every 10 years to frame policy issues
The 2010 Census had 1 form sent to the entire U.S. population. The form asked questions similar to those contained in previous census short forms. The 2010 Census will provide a basic count of the U.S. population, collecting only the most basic demographic and housing information.
Detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data will no longer be collected as part of the decennial census.
The data that were collected from the long form sample are now produced from the American Community Survey.
Usual residence is defined as the place where a person lives and sleeps most of the time.
Current residence: The basic idea behind this concept is that everyone who is currently living or staying at an address for more than two months is considered a current resident of that address.

12. American Community Survey Detailed Information, Delivered Annually
ACS Main:
2010 ACS Briefs:
ACS Maps:

13. Data Tools A Quick Look Economic Indicators Dashboard QuickFacts
County Business and Demographics Map
American FactFinder
Other Resources

14. The NEW www.census.gov Your Gateway to Census Data

15. Top Navigation Bottom of the Page
Both provide similar choices (or more) as the center column of the old census.gov homepage
Bottom of the Page

16. Homepage Slider Cycles through the latest news
Often links to press kits
Click “See More” for more information

17. Census News
Find the latest on news releases, data products, upcoming events and more

18. Economic Indicators Dashboard
Most recently released items at top
13 indicators about U.S. economy
Click on name for more info
Updated quarterly or monthly
Scroll down using arrow at bottom
Can embed on your website

19. QuickFacts
Minimal clicks to a factsheet about your state, county or city
Shows demographics, social characteristics and business statistics
Social characteristics will soon be updated from the latest American Community Survey

20. Scroll down the homepage…
Interactive Map: County Business Patterns and Demographics
County-level 2009 info on businesses, employees, industries
2010 Census info on population, race, ethnicity, age/sex, housing
Options available for comparing counties and embedding on your website

21. Back at the top of the homepage…
American FactFinder
More comprehensive
Variety of datasets, topics and geographies available

22. The American FactFinder: Recent Enhancements

23. What is the American FactFinder?
Census Bureau’s on-line data tool
One-stop shop (for most geographies)
Contains large data sets from censuses & surveys
Allows access to a variety of Census data
Population
Housing
Economic
Geographic

24. Sources of FactFinder Data
Decennial Census
Population Estimates
American Community Survey
Economic Census
Economic Surveys

25. Examples of available topics in AFF:
Population
Sex
Age
Race
Ethnicity
Tenure
Household Size
Education
Income
Poverty
Health Care
School Enroll.
Disability Status
Marital Status
Grandparents
Fertility
Benefits
Commuting
Industry
Housing Costs
Heating Fuel

26.
Community Facts
Guided Search
Advanced Search

27. Accessing Data and Summaries – Community Facts
Advantages:
Provide quick access for users searching for data products most frequently accessed on AFF

28. Accessing Data & Summaries – Community Facts & Popular Tables
Advantages:
Provides users with a simple way to access data profiles and other summarized data

29. Accessing Data – Guided Search
Advantages:
Guided Search helps you locate Census data products by letting you specify search criteria step-by-step.
Guided Search is a helpful way to start searching for Census data if you are new to American FactFinder or are not sure where to begin.

30. Accessing Data – Advanced Search
Advantages:
In Advanced Search you can search for all data using all features within American Factfinder.
Use Advanced Search to find data:
using text or keyword search
using pre-defined topics, geographies, race/ethnic groups, industry codes, or EEO occupation codes

31. Geography Selection Improvements
Improvements to existing geographic selection options
Provide guided geographic selection as an option
These two changes work together to address concerns…

32. Geography Selection Improvement
Key Features
Modify the selection options in the Geography Overlay to reduce confusion
Refine the list of Geographic Summary Levels displayed in the default view

33. Geography Selection Improvements – Geography Assistant
Advantages:
Provide a consistent, guided approach to geographic selection
Provide a quick geographic selection for users not familiar with the Census geographic hierarchy

34. Enhanced Messaging Key Features
Updated messaging specific to user selections.
Dynamic messaging:
When default selections are made for geographies, industry codes, and race/ethnic groups
When the maximum product selections are reached in the table view 34

35. Enhanced Messaging Key Features Other messaging enhancements:
Updated current messaging when the maximum number of geographies, industry codes, and/or race/ethnic groups are reached in a user’s search selections. 35

36. Download Options Advantages:
Provides users with quick access to high-volume downloads

37. How to Stay Connected Subscribe to e-mail updates
Submit suggestions/questions via Feedback link at the top of the AFF web page
AFF News & Notes (lower, center of main page)

38. Questions & Answers