How accurate are these statistics? (houses, employment, school)

[looking4home]

I'm somewhat skeptical about the numbers and data on this site. In many ways, it is most helpful, and a great way to connect with like-minded people or to hear a new perspective. But the data they use - from the 2000 census is outdated. Some states/cities use projections for 2005 or 06 stats, but those are just estimates, not real figures.

Things change so quickly in America, and I can see where my own city's data is already obsolete. That's why these forums are so valuable - one can glean knowledge about a place from actual residents living there now, and not have to rely solely on out-dated data!

[sunrico90]

Good question, but this might provide a bit of light. The last census that took place in the US is dated 2000. A number of revisions have taken place as time goes on, see the below:

“Census 2000 Summary Files Tables for Counties and Cities (607K) - The first release of Census 2000 100% count data for census tracts. These tables contain information on race, sex, age, household composition, family relationship, and housing data by tenure from Summary File 1 (short form) and income, education, employment, nationality, language spoken at home, etc., from Summary File 3 ( sample or long form). Updated: August 31, 2004.”

The US Census Bureau is the repository of the census: http://www.census.gov/
This bureau also provide population projections by state from the last census (2000) to 2030: http://www.census.gov/population/pro...mmaryTabA1.pdf

And other projections are also available. Hope this helps…

[sunrico90]

Available at the Census website.

The Census 2000 data in LandView 6 are based on the data tables presented in the Census 2000 Demographic Profiles. Statistical table DP-1 contains selected data items plus calculated statistics derived from the 1,040 statistical tables contained in Census 2000 Summary File 1 file (SF 1). Statistical tables DP-2 through DP-4 contains selected data items plus calculated statistics derived from the 813 statistical tables contained in Census 2000 Summary File 3 file (SF 3).

Data are presented for the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The data presentation for all geographic levels except census blocks are based on the Census 2000 Demographic Profiles. About the Profile [PDF] provides an explanation of the data table content and derived measures.

The LandView product provides demographic profiles (excepting census blocks) for additional geographic levels not presented in the Census 2000 Demographic Profile product (i.e. census tracts, census block groups and ZCTAs). The census block statistics were created from selected data items contained in the Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF1).

The SF1 files include statistical data on the following population and housing items based on a limited set of questions asked of every person and housing unit in the United States. These items are: age, race, sex, Hispanic or Latino origin, household relationship, and household and family characteristics. Housing items include occupancy status and tenure (whether the unit is owner- or renter-occupied).

Summary File 3 (SF 3) contains the sample data, which is the information compiled from the questions asked of a sample of all people and housing units. Population items include basic population totals; urban and rural; households and families; marital status; grandparents as caregivers; language and ability to speak English; ancestry; place of birth, citizenship status, and year of entry; migration; place of work; journey to work (commuting); school enrollment and educational attainment; veteran status; disability; employment status; industry, occupation, and class of worker; income; and poverty status. Housing items include basic housing totals; urban and rural; number of rooms; number of bedrooms; year moved into unit; household size and occupants per room; units in structure; year structure built; heating fuel; telephone service; plumbing and kitchen facilities; vehicles available; value of home; monthly rent; and shelter costs.

[dullnboring]

The Census data is indeed a bit outdated. Although quite a bit can change in a community within six years time, it gives a good general gauge on a community. Personally, I wish we had a census taken every five years much like they do in Canada but I realize that we are a much larger country so logistically, it's more difficult to do so The next federal census will take place in 2010 and the results of it will be known in 2011. Many of the subsets of census data in regards to income level, education level, racial demographics and such, is roughly kept track of during the census "off" years through various other organizations and through these, while unofficial, you can piece together a more accurate patchwork profile of a city/state.

The Census Bureau has released limited data via the American Factfinder website: http://factfinder.census.gov/home/sa....html?_lang=en. This data is as of July of 2005 and offers fairly detailed profiles of states, counties, metropolitan areas, and larger cities (those with a population of over 65,000).

[looking4home]

Thanks for those links, everyone. But you can see what I mean about people being mislead. If a person didn't notice the figures were for 2000, and not totally current, and then acted on those figures as far as moving to another state, changing jobs, etc. then might be very sorry. For instance, my city's population lists its 2000 total, which is 90,000 residents. Well, it currently stands at just over 105,000 - that's quite a jump in 6 yrs. time, and makes a difference in all sorts of demographics and stats, including the price of houses, which has risen dramatically in six years.

[sunrico90]

The lesson learned from your topic is to do a serious research, evaluate, and analyze the data. Also, understand that the readers not always know the source of the data….

Superb topic…