CML Newsletter

Current Articles

Updates to Data Tools 

The State Demography Office (SDO) has updated many of its online data tools to provide more information about Colorado and its communities.

The Demographic Dashboard includes interactive charts of net migration by age, total population from 1985 to 2050, births, deaths, and net migration totals, and a new chart of the projected population change by age group between 2018 and 2025. This information is available in a single click for each county and the state as a whole. 

The Interactive 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) map has a new boundary layer that allows better identification of municipal boundaries when looking at tract or census block group geographies. Select tract or block group as the geography level on the left side and then using the bottom box on the right side click on or off the municipal boundaries. 

The Interactive Base Industry chart has been updated with a new easier to read style. The data behind the base analysis can be found at the Economic Base Analysis. 

The Colorado Demographic Profile has been updated with new tables and plots: new plots showing jobs, firms, and the unemployment rate since 2000; new housing data from SDO and economic information from the ACS; revised race and income tables for counties and municipalities; and new population forecast tables for counties. 

SDO presented a primer on the tools available on its website at the 2018 State Demography Summit. Find the presentation, “State Demography Office Data Tools,” here.  

The 2020 Census and SDO 

Data collection for the 2020 Census begins in March 2020. Many people have asked about the role of SDO in conducting the 2020 Census. The administration of the census is entirely managed by the Census Bureau. They handle the content and design of the census form and manage everything from mailing out invitation cards to collecting responses and conducting quality control. 

The State Demography Office is the primary state contact with the Census Bureau. SDO is not responsible for data collection but works with the Census Bureau and Colorado communities to ensure there is a complete address list of all housing units, accurate municipal and county boundaries, updated block, tract, and block group boundaries, and accurate precinct boundaries. 

SDO has launched a Census 2020 Website, developed informational materials and provides presentations on the importance of Census 2020 and how to get involved. An accurate count is critical for representation, federal funding levels (approximately $2,300 per person), and data for forecasts. 

SDO is staffing the Colorado Complete Count Campaign and working with local communities to help address the barriers that their residents face in submitting their census form. Of course, as demographers, having complete and accurate data is important to SDO staff. It is also important to Colorado. The Census is important, it is easy, and it is safe. Call SDO at 303-864-7720 or visit its website to learn more about Census 2020 and steps you can take to help ensure Colorado has an accurate count! 

The Census Bureau Is Hiring 

The Census Bureau is looking for local people to staff its 2020 Census operations. Check out the Census jobs page and Colorado regional page for information about the positions available.  

Webinars

The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct a series of free data access webinars to all interested data users. Attendees will learn how to access demographic, socioeconomic, housing, and business data from the Decennial Census, American Community Survey, Local Employment Dynamics, Economic Programs, and more. Sign up to receive updates from the Census Academy here. 

Stay in Touch with SDO 

Join the Demography Listserv to receive newsletters and up-to-date information from the State Demography Office.

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