How to Find Demographics for the United States
Demographics are statistical compilations of different population characteristics. Population characteristics include age, sex, education, ethnicity, religion and income. Demographics are useful to many people -- entrepreneurs, policy makers, and marketers all use demographics information to perform their jobs. Demographic information isn't that hard to find. Much of this information can be easily accessed via numerous Web sources.
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Instructions
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Start with the motherlode of demographics -- the American Factfinder provided by the United States Census (factfinder.census.gov). Plug in your city, state or zip code to see the characteristics of your area. Click on maps to see where wealthy people live or where educated populations reside. American Factfinder reports on characteristics in these categories: Age, race and household size; social information such as education, disabilities and marital status; economic information such as income; and housing information such as home ownership and mortgages.
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The Social Science Data Analysis Network and the Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan runs CensusScope.org which provides charts depicting social and demographic trends in the United States.
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Go to Fedstats.gov and choose "Agencies by Subject" and then "Demographics." You can browse through free demographics compiled by government agencies on a multitude of topics. For example, you'll find food consumption patterns, child wellness, diseases and immigration facts.
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Local libraries and colleges are also sources of demographic information. Check with these sources especially to get local demographic information.
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Demographic information also covers crime statistics. You may obtain national crime statistics from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports and the U.S. Department of Justice. Local media and the local police department will also compile information about crimes in your area. States also operate websites in which you can search for sex offenders who may live in your area. New York State's Public Safety Office allows residents to search for registered sex offenders using Facebook.
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References
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