Census Bureau Tip Sheet

Nov. 21, 2008                                                                                                              TP08-24

Upcoming

American Community Survey

The American Community Survey: What the Media Needs to Know — A new handbook that describes how the ACS is put together, key concepts and how to get the most out of the survey. It explains the various ways to find and access ACS data and the best ways for novice and experienced journalists to use the estimates. Step-by-step articles are included on how journalists have used the ACS to find and improve their published work. ACS Compass products are available at <http://www.census.gov/acs/www/UseData/Compass/compass_series.html>.

American Community Survey 2005-2007 Data Release — On Dec. 9, the Census Bureau will release the first set of three-year American Community Survey data for all geographies with populations greater than 20,000. The release will provide the first look at detailed socioeconomic and housing characteristics for geographies between 20,000 and 64,999 since Census 2000. (Data will be embargoed to the media Dec. 4.)

Foreign-Born Characteristics: 2007 — There were an estimated 38 million people in 2007 living in the United States who were born outside of the country. New data profiles show educational attainment, income, year of entry, occupations and more based on a group’s country of birth. For example, Chinese-born residents in one part of the country are much more likely to graduate high school than others. (Tentatively scheduled for release in January.)

Demographic

Profiles of Older Workers: 2004 — The Census Bureau is releasing a series of state reports on workers 55 and older. North Dakota is tentatively scheduled for release Nov 25. Previously released reports are available at <http://lehd.did.census.gov/led/library/profiles_2007.html>.

State Population Estimates: July 1, 2008 — In 2007, Nevada reclaimed its title as the nation’s fastest-growing state. Will the Silver State remain tops? Internet tables will show July 1, 2008, population estimates and components of change for the nation, states and Puerto Rico. (Tentatively scheduled for release in mid-December.)

Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009 — “Uncle Sam’s Almanac” presents its usual dazzling array of statistics on topics from “A” (aerobics) to “Z” (zinc production). Published since 1878, the upcoming 128th edition includes several dozen new tables and more than 1,400 overall, describing life in our nation and the world. (Tentatively scheduled for release in mid-December.)

International Data Base — The world population is undergoing constant changes in fertility, infant mortality, life expectancy and other factors. Which countries have fertility rates at or above replacement levels? Will the annual number of births peak anytime soon? Answers to these and other questions about the population of the world’s 225 countries can be found in this 2008 update. (Tentatively scheduled for release in mid-December.)

Economic

2007 State Government Finances — Complete information on the financial activity of all 50 state governments. Data cover revenues by type (taxes and federal aid), expenditures by character (current operations, capital outlay, payments to other governments), expenditures by function (welfare, health, education, natural resources), indebtedness, and cash and security holdings. Complete statistics on local government finances will be released in the summer of 2009 from the 2007 Census of Governments (http://www.census.gov/govs/www/state.html). (Tentatively scheduled for release in late November.)

Business Dynamics Statistics — This new data tool provides a unique new way to track annual changes in employment at the establishment level by business size and business age. (Tentatively scheduled for release in mid-December.)

2007 Commodity Flow Survey — Tracking value, tonnage, mileage and mode of transportation, this survey provides new data on the movement of goods in the United States. It covers mining, manufacturing, wholesale and selected retail trade and service industries. (Tentatively scheduled for release in mid-December.)

Facts for Features

African-American History Month (February) — To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, the Census Bureau presents a collection of demographic and economic statistics about the black community. (Tentatively scheduled for release in early December.)

Valentine’s Day — The year’s most romantic edition features a collection of statistics on chocolates, flowers, jewelry and marriage, among other topics. (Tentatively scheduled for release in mid-December.)

Broadcast/Photo/Multimedia/Television

Radio

Profile America and Al Día (Spanish) — Profile America is a daily, 60-second feature that uses interesting vignettes from key events, observances or commemorations for that day to highlight information collected by the Census Bureau. Upcoming segments include the story of the so-called Black Friday in “Shopping Time” (Nov. 28) and the substantial business of “Christmas Trees” (Dec. 12). The November and December daily features are available at <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/profile_america/index.html>.

The URL for MP3 downloads, WAV files and subscription podcast access is <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/profile_america/index.html>.
Profile America and Al Día daily features can be downloaded individually and for the entire month via zip files at <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/index.html>

Recently Released

(Since Nov. 7, 2008)

Demographic

Profiles of Older Workers: 2004 — The Census Bureau is releasing a series of state reports on workers 55 and older. Virginia’s report was released Nov. 10 and Missouri’s released Nov. 20. Previously released reports are available at <http://lehd.did.census.gov/led/library/profiles_2007.html>.

Economic

North American Transportation in Figures — Nov. 19 — This report provides a comprehensive overview of transportation statistics in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Each language edition — English, Spanish and French — contains more than 30 data tables. Statistics include modes of transportation, fuel consumption, number of passengers, fatalities and more. Internet address: <http://nats.sct.gob.mx/nats/>.

Broadcast/Photo/Multimedia/Television

Video

2010 Census: A New Portrait of America — This informational video explains how communities benefit from Census Bureau data collection efforts. Testimonials describe the importance of a complete and accurate count and why the 2010 Census will be the most important count in our nation’s history. It shows data collection operations in action. Running time is 3:10. Internet address: <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/video/census_operations/011424.html>

Radio

Profile America and Al Día (Spanish) for August and September — Profile America segments included the Great Lakes tragedy of “Edmund Fitzgerald Sinks” (Nov. 10) and a notable octogenarian in “Mickey Mouse is 80!” (Nov. 18). Internet address: <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/index.html>.

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News releases, reports, data tables and radio transcripts are available on the Public Information Office’s Web page at at <http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/news.html>. Questions or comments should be directed to the Census Bureau’s Public Information Office at 301-763-3030 or 301-763-3691; fax 301-763-3762; or e-mai <pio@census.gov>.