Applying Census Data

The amount of population, housing, income and education data available following the 2000 Census was staggering and incredibly useful (mostly, if you hired an outside resource to figure it all out for you!). So what are local governments supposed to do with the severely "downsized" data that will result from the ten or fewer questions answered by each household in 2010? In its raw state, the 2010 Census alone won't do much other than provide some support for policy and budgetary decisions based on demographic information alone.

How many seniors? How many youth? What percent is Hispanic/Latino? Does the respondent rent or own? What might be the most valuable information—the respondent's telephone number--won't even be made available. So, other than that a ten-year census is mandated by the Constitution, why do we bother?

The simple answer is that the actual Census has primarily returned to its roots: the counting of Americans. The better answer is: The American Community Survey or ACS. Beginning in 2005, ACS conducts annual surveys of small proportions of household in the United States and these data are combined into three-year reports published by the Census Bureau. Reports for large communities began to be published in 2008, with data for smaller communities (65,000 or less), expected to be available beginning in 2011. ACS provides data on demographics, income, education, work, industry and business, economic factors and more and is available in summary and raw data for GIS or other applications at www.census.gov.

And, if you go to the site and hope to download and use these data, most will likely need to hire a consultant to figure out just how to access all but the basic summary forms to meet their needs. It can be cumbersome and will often provide copious amounts of data beyond what is necessary. Yet, don't despair! These data can help local governments of all sizes to arrive at solid policy and budgetary decisions, understand your communities' needs better and support requests for funding and other assistance. ACS data is essential in emergency management, comprehensive and long-term planning and, with this new annual assessment, the data will not require that communities best-guess where they stand five or more years after the decennial census—or request expensive, mid-decade recounts. These data capture your community information during economic change, migration of youth and immigration of new families. Area businesses and business trend basic knowledge will be available within a couple of years without a labor-intensive door-to-door assessment that few choose to conduct.

To assist Illinois communities—large and small—better access these data and more fully understand how such information can enhance your service to your constituents, University of Illinois Extension will offer our spring TeleInstitute series. For more information contact your local Extension office.

Upcoming Events

Local Government Week
March 6-12, 2011

The CountDown on Families Begins
Local Government Tele-institute

Thursday, March 17, 2011
$5.00 registration fee
3-5 pm

Count on Your elder Community
Local government tele-institute

Thursday, April 21, 2011
$5.00 registration fee
3-5 pm

National night out
Tuesday, august 2, 2011

RNCC 2011

Bulding brigdes, making connections Cincinnati, ohio
September 22-24, 2011

The CountDown on Families Begins

March 17, 2011
3:00-5:00 p.m.

An in-depth look at your 2010 census data might surprise you in that you may find your community has fewer families than in the past. In fact, as of 2008, there were more single people in the United States than those in families. Understand how this trend might impact your policies, schools, and businesses and learn to think in terms of the best development of services for both families and singles in your county or towns.

Presenters for the program include university faculty, representatives of state and federal agencies, and community leaders with experience in the issues and challenges faced by local officials.

The Tele-Institute program also provides the opportunity for county officials to earn Certified County Official credit. Each Tele-Institute qualifies for 2 hours of CCO credit.

To register for the March 17th program call the Macon County Extension Office at 877.6042.