TRANSCRIPT
Listen to the full audio broadcast of this story here

Kai Ryssdal: The recession is, officially, over. A lot of experts and some economic indicators agree on that. But the experts and the indicators don’t know what they’re talking about.

In California’s Inland Empire, that’s definitely true. The Inland Empire’s out in in the desert east of L.A. with 4.3 million people living there, nearly double the population of Nevada. In the decades before the recession, it was the place families went to to pursue the American Dream. There were cheap suburban houses with two-car garages and good jobs in construction and warehousing and trucking. There were so many jobs, in fact, that the unemployment rate fell below 5 percent. Now, it’s triple that in many towns, and the dream has turned into something of a nightmare.

Today, in the first of a two-part series, Marketplace’s Mitchell Hartman takes a trip to to see what the future might hold.

Click Here to read the complete transcript by Mitchell Hartman on Marketplace published 11/21/2011.

Map: Track your state’s unemployment rate through the years

Map: Track your metro area’s unemployment rate through the years

For students (or anyone, really) interested in basic information about data collected by the Census, check out this posting from National Geographic. Learn how and why the Census Bureau collects the information that it does.

Did you know that the U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States and is required by the United States Constitution to take place every 10 years. The 2010 census found that there are 308,745,538 people in the U.S.

In order to count and collect information about all those residents, the Census Bureau delivers a 10-question form to every household. This form includes questions about sex, age, race, household relationships, and property ownership. These sets of data are defined as demographic data.

Read more about the US Census here: National Geographic – The US Census

What we’ve done to account for these changes is to create a bridge table that we think allows us to show most accurately the 2010 data on our 2000 maps. The bridge was created by looking at where 2000 and 2010 Census block boundaries overlapped. For example, if a given Census 2010 block overlapped two separate 2000 block groups, we allocated a percentage of Census 2010′s population proportionately to each of the 2000 block groups. The percentage we used to create the 2010 Census block group data on PolicyMap was calculated based on the area of the 2010 Census block that was in each block group. The bridge table does not include small slivers of area that represent less than 10% of the Census block area.

For Census tracts and counties that have split, merged or otherwise significantly changed from 2000 to 2010, we don’t use a bridge table, however. We show these 2010 data as simply having “Insufficient Data.”

Why do we do this? It’s because we can currently only show one map vintage at a time on PolicyMap. We’re working to remedy that, though, just in time for the 2006-2010 American Community Survey data release in December.

But before that, we’re looking forward to the full release of the Census 2010 Summary File 1 this month! We’ll let you know once it’s available from the Census and it has replaced the Redistricting Data currently on PolicyMap.

You can now get age, sex and ethnicity ACS estimates in the Demographics tab and in our reports. Coming next month: improved Census 2010 blockgroup data coverage and ACS estimates for family incomes and income categories, as well as poverty data.

Friday, May 20, 2011
Time: 8:30am to 12 pm (Registration at 8:30; session begins at 8:45)
Credits*: 3 CM (*anticipated)

The May 20th PDI event Good Data Drives Good Decision-Making: Leveraging 2010 Census Data and Beyond will provide an overview of data useful to planning and updates on changes in the 2010 Census. The session focuses on incorporating data into neighborhood planning, best practices in incorporating data into the planning process, and provides an overview of available resources. The session will conclude with a 1-hour workshop on how to access the data sources planners need.

This event brings together experts in data with seasoned planners who can speak to the challenges of incorporating good data into planning practice. Participants will hear from one of leaders in data driven planning in the region and the challenges faced in incorporating data into the neighborhood planning environment. Attendees will also learn about the current regional socio-economic and real estate trends and about the data resources available to them in neighborhood and regional planning. The session will end with a workshop giving attendees first-hand practice in gathering data resources and the ability to have all their questions asked about changes from the 2010 Census and the American Community Survey.

Click here to register!

The following speakers will present at the session:

Lois Greco, Senior Vice President & Evaluation Officer, Wells Fargo Regional Foundation
Maggie McCullough, Director, PolicyMap

A light breakfast will be served
Cost: $20 members, $30 for non-members
Where: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
190 N. Independence Mall West, 8th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Registration deadline: May 17, 2011
To register for the session, click here!

PolicyMap now has the latest Census 2010 Redistricting Data available to all of our users. Indictors from the 2010 Census include population, race, ethnicity, and residential vacancy. And while we released the estimates from ACS a few months ago, these Census 2010 numbers are the actual counts collected by Census enumerators, as mandated by the Constitution. This data is available for the block group, census tract, city, county, Congressional District, metro area, state, and the nation in our maps and tables.

Due to the growing diversity in the U.S. population, the Census now collects (and PolicyMap provides) more detailed race categories than ever before. You’ll see new multiracial categories in our Demographics tab that will allow you to locate concentrations of biracial and multiracial populations, by race.

Coming soon to PolicyMap:

• More ACS estimates
• Farmers’ market locations
• Updated school performance data

Due to the growing diversity in the U.S. population, the Census now collects more detailed race categories than ever before. We’ve decided to show some of these new multiracial categories on PolicyMap so that our users can incorporate them into their maps, tables, and reports to show the latest demographic information available.

As you take a look around your neighborhood, you may be wondering why you see some grey areas on the map. This isn’t because the Census didn’t count in these places; it’s because we at PolicyMap haven’t yet transitioned to the new 2010 Census map boundaries. Since so much of our data still relies on the 2000 Census map boundaries, we’re keeping them in PolicyMap for now. For those places that changed significantly in population, we’re showing grey areas on the map for the 2010 Census data since they can’t be accurately reflected in the 2000 boundaries. Once the 2006-2010 ACS data is released, we’ll make the move to the 2010 boundaries, and you’ll be able to see all of the 2010 Census data on PolicyMap. In the meantime, you can visit the Census’ new American Factfinder to download any data you may be missing: http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml

Here’s an example of an interactive map showing African American biracial and multiracial population in Plymouth, MA:

]]> http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/04/2010-census-data-has-arrived/feed/ 0 http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/03/acs-data-now-on-policymap-2/ http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/03/acs-data-now-on-policymap-2/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:18:03 +0000 Phil V. http://www.policymap.com/blog/?p=7164 Continue reading →]]> PolicyMap is offering data from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey (ACS) for free on its website at www.PolicyMap.com. Beginning with key indicators such as population, income, and educational attainment, PolicyMap expects to roll out the full spectrum of ACS data over the next few months.

All PolicyMap users previously had free access to 2000 U.S. Census demographic data, while subscribers were also able to view Nielsen estimates and projections. The release of the 2005-2009 ACS by the Census Bureau makes it possible for PolicyMap to update demographic information with these estimates, making PolicyMap even more relevant for users. The ACS data provides demographic, social, economic and housing data from a sample of the U.S. population.

In addition to providing data analysis via its website, PolicyMap provides widgets – embeddable versions of the site – to organizations interested in tracking a particular issue. To coincide with the release of this ACS data, PolicyMap is also offering a free widget. Anyone can simply add the code for the ACS widget to their website, allowing visitors to view and interact with this data. PolicyMap will also provide instructions for tailoring the widget to show a specific geographic location upon request. The widget automatically updates when the data is updated on PolicyMap.

A service of The Reinvestment Fund, PolicyMap uses Geographic Information Systems technology to display key social and economic indicators for U.S. communities down to a neighborhood level. Available to anyone with internet access, PolicyMap is an online data analyses and interactive map tool which allows users to generate maps, tables and reports based on over 10,000 data indicators. PolicyMap has also become an important tool for government officials, financial institutions and private investors to generate analyses specific to their own mission. Local governments can use PolicyMap to view city crime statistics or view city crime rates for the entire U.S. and compare between regions.

In addition to the ACS, PolicyMap will roll out preliminary results from the 2010 Census as it becomes available in the coming months.

About TRF and PolicyMap

PolicyMap is a fully web-based interactive map tool that makes it quick and easy to gather and analyze geocentric information. A service of The Reinvestment Fund, a not-for-profit leader in the financing of neighborhood revitalization, PolicyMap empowers decision makers with better access to credible market and demographic data in an easy-to-use geographic information system. Visit www.policymap.com for more information.

]]> http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/03/acs-data-now-on-policymap-2/feed/ 0 http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/02/acs-data-now-on-policymap/ http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/02/acs-data-now-on-policymap/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:08:29 +0000 Elizabeth Nash http://www.policymap.com/blog/?p=6489 Continue reading →]]> We’ve rolled out a number of key indicators on PolicyMap this week as an introduction to the new American Community Survey (ACS) data now available for neighborhoods from the Census. We’re pleased that all of our users can access this data in each section of PolicyMap and in a free widget available to post on your own website. In the maps, tables and analytics features on PolicyMap, you’ll see indicators such as median household income, families in poverty, and educational attainment, all highlighted with a star in the menus. You’ll see the indicators integrated seamlessly into the reports, as well. Check out the free widget, below, and grab the iframe code beneath it to embed on your site.

Powered by www.policymap.com, an online mapping tool and data warehouse.

Copy and paste the code below for our free ACS widget. <div style="text-align:center"> <iframe src="http://www.policymap.com/widget?sid=69&wkey=7668B3AE6D389C226133EC554467F99D" width="100%" height="1120px" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" name="PolicyMap"></iframe> <div style="font:13px arial,geneva,helvetica,sans-serif">Powered by <a style="text-decoration:underline" target="_blank" href="http://www.policymap.com">www.policymap.com</a>, an <a style="text-decoration:underline" target="_blank" href="http://www.policymap.com">online mapping tool</a> and data warehouse.</div></div>

Nearly all of the ACS data is available at our smallest geography, the block group, with a few exceptions. These data differ from the Decennial Census data because they represent estimates, rather than counts. Each estimate is associated with a margin of error that can be found on the Census’ website.

So what’s included in the ACS data we have on PolicyMap now? Here’s a list of some of the indicators we’ve chosen to include with this introduction:

• Population
• Household and per capita income
• People per household
• Vehicles per household
• Educational attainment
• Tenure (homeowners and renters)
• Foreign born population
• Vacancy
• Homeowner and renter cost burdens
• Poverty
• Rents
• Home Values

For more information about ACS and how it differs from the 2010 Census, click here. And stay tuned as we update all of our Census data on PolicyMap to include ACS, menu by menu.

]]> http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/02/acs-data-now-on-policymap/feed/ 4 http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/02/need-acs-data-look-for-it-on-policymap-next-week-for-free/ http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/02/need-acs-data-look-for-it-on-policymap-next-week-for-free/#comments Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:01:07 +0000 Elizabeth Nash http://www.policymap.com/blog/?p=6462 Continue reading →]]> We’re excited to announce that you’ll start seeing the Census’ American Community Survey (ACS) data next week on PolicyMap! You’ll see a number of key indicators like population, income, and educational attainment first. Then, you’ll have access to the full spectrum of ACS data over the next few months as we roll it all into the platform.

For our free registered and public users, this move to ACS data means you’ll have access to these 2005-2009 estimates, rather than having to rely on the 2000 Census data only in your maps and tables.

For our subscribers, it means your reports will contain these new 2005-2009 estimates, rather than the Nielsen estimates and projections, when possible.

So just what is the Census’ American Community Survey (ACS)?

The American Community Survey has replaced the longer version (“long form”) of the household survey from the Decennial Census. Rather than distributing both a short survey and the long form in 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau instead distributed only the short survey as the Decennial Census. Beginning in 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau also began administering the new ACS Survey, which is comprised of the bulk of the questions from the old Census long form. For the first time ever, the Census’ December 2010 release of the 2005-2009 ACS data included small geographic estimates, which we have chosen to incorporate into PolicyMap. The ACS data provides demographic, social, economic and housing characteristic estimates on a rolling basis (from 2005-2009), whereas the 2010 Decennial Census provides counts of the population and their basic characteristics (sex, age, race, Hispanic origin, and homeowner status) as a snapshot in time (for 2010). The move from the long form on the Decennial Census to the ACS format allows PolicyMap users to enjoy annually updated detailed population characteristics, rather than having to wait for the Decennial Census data release. The ACS differs from the Decennial Census in that it is not an enumeration of the population, however. Instead, the Census Bureau collects ACS data from a sample of the population, and it provides a margin of error for every ACS estimate. Margins of error are not shown on PolicyMap, but users are encouraged to call us or visit the Census’ website with questions about ACS estimates shown on PolicyMap.

And just a note about the Census 2010 data…

Once the Decennial Census 2010 data is available at small geographies, we’ll load it into PolicyMap. The Census reports that this data will be available for us to load sometime this summer.

]]> http://www.policymap.com/blog/2011/02/need-acs-data-look-for-it-on-policymap-next-week-for-free/feed/ 0