Demographics: A particular section of a population, typically defined in terms of factors such as age, income, ethnic origin, etc., esp. regarded as a target audience for broadcasting, advertising, or marketing.
For our assignment we will explore demographics. The two recommended databases are Policy Map and Social Explorer. Links to the databases are provided below. A demonstration video is provided for each database.
Social Explorer provides demographic data for the United States; neighborhoods, counties, and states.
See below on how to use Profiles to get relevant socio-economic facts about your community and how to use the Tables to find demographic information.
- Social Explorer This link opens in a new window Provides demographic data for the U.S. from 1790 to present. Its interactive maps can be viewed, queried and manipulated at a variety of geographic levels, including neighborhoods, counties, and state. Custom reports and maps can be generated using the "Maps" and "Reports" tabs and can be saved by creating a personal account.
This link opens in a new window
Social Explorer Profiles helps you find demographic and education profiles for your community. Follow the steps below to create the Profile:
1. At the Social Explorer home page click on Demographic Profiles. It's in the menu on the left side of the screen.
2. Type your zip code in the search box and choose from the dropdown box.
To use Tables to find demographic information, use the following steps:
1. On the homepage of Social Explorer, click Tables from the menu on the left.
2. Select American Community Surveys (5-year Estimates).
3. Choose Begin Report for American Community Surveys (ACS) 2017--2021 (5-year Estimates).
4. For Select a geographic type: select 5-digit ZIP code Tabulation Area from the dropdown box (last on the list).
5. In the Select a 3-Digit ZIP Code Tabulation Area dropdown box choose the first 3 digits in your zip code. For example, for 11530, I'm choosing ZCTA3 115
6. The next box will ask you to choose the zip code. Select your zip code and click Add. The zip code will move to Current Geographic Selections, click Proceed to Tables.
7. Choose the information you are looking for and click Add, then click Show Results.
Policy Map offers easy-to-use online mapping with data on demographics, real estate, health, jobs and more in communities across the United States.
See below on how to create a Community Profile Report and how to obtain information on health conditions and risk factors.
- PolicyMap This link opens in a new window Easy-to-use online mapping with data on demographics, real estate, health, jobs and more in communities across the US.
Policy Map can generate a Community Profile Report with information about your zip code including population, racial characteristics, age, income, and more. To create the report follow these steps:
1. At the top right of the Policy Map homepage, there is a person figure in a purple circle; to the left of the person there is an icon that looks like a piece of paper. Click the icon that looks like a piece of paper.
2. In the location box put your zip code.
3. Choose the tabulation area (The tabulation area will include all zip codes that touch yours).
4. Click generate report.
Policy Map offers percentages on health conditions including depression and high blood pressure; risk factors including current smokers and obesity. To locate this information follow these steps:
1. Enter your zip code in the search box. Choose Tabulation Area from the dropdown.
2. Choose Health from the menu
3. A menu will pop up. For my example I selected, Risk Factors, Alcohol and Tobacco Use, Current Smokers.
4. Hover over the map to see percentages of current smokers in your area. In the outline of your zip code area, click the box next to the X. Another menu will appear. Click on Table or Trends to see the information listed.
