Census Bureau Data Show Key Population Changes Across Nation

American Community Survey Provides First Data for Many Cities Since 2000 and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan is Providing Them to You

• 2005 American Community Survey: Michigan Cities and Townships with 65,000 or More Population [430 KB]
• 2005 American Community Survey: State of Michigan and Counties with 65,000 or More Population [611 KB]
• 2005 American Community Survey: All U.S. States,the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico [961 KB]

From Santa Barbara to Tallahassee and Detroit to Westland, the U.S. Census Bureau today released for the first time key demographic and social data for areas with populations of 65,000 or more – an updated look at how the nation’s population has changed, and the first for many communities since Census 2000.

The Census Bureau’s new American Community Survey (ACS) provides more timely and updated information about the nation’s changing and diverse population every year. Without the ACS, this type of information — historically gathered just once a decade — would not be available for communities until 2012.

"The nationwide implementation of the American Community Survey signals a dramatic improvement in the availability of local data used by government, communities and businesses," said Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon. "The data are vital for the planning, implementation and evaluation of policies ranging from building new schools and roads to establishing initiatives that drive economic development."

The 2005 ACS data include demographic and social information such as race, Hispanic origin, age, education, marital status, grandparents as caregivers, veterans, disability status and U.S. citizenship. The data is available for nearly 7,000 areas, including all congressional districts and counties, cities and American Indian/Alaska native areas of 65,000 population or more.

The 2005 ACS estimates are based on an annual, nationwide household sample of about 250,000 addresses per month, or 2.5 percent of the population a year. Geographic areas for which data are available are based on total populations of 65,000 or more. The ACS estimates released are for the household population, which may be smaller than its total population. As is the case with all surveys, statistics from sample surveys are subject to sampling and nonsampling error.

We have created a series of profiles for you that cover all eligible Michigan cities [430 KB] and counties [611 KB] , available in two PDF files. A State summary is included with the county file. We will be following these up with profiles for all States, as well as ranking tables and trend analysis.

Keep checking the Research section at www.uwsem.org/research for all the latest information on the demographic, social and economic trends that affect our communities.