Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there more current economic and demographic data available?
A: Although the "current" demographic and economic tables in the Iowa Data Atlas contain data that are 1-2 years old or more, they are likely the most current estimates available. Agencies must collect, tabulate, and verify the data before they are published. This process may require months or years to complete. Each table in the Iowa Data Atlas includes a release date, which should provide users with an idea of the general timeline for new data releases.
Q: Where can I find city-level employment and earnings data?
A: Most sources of current employment and earnings data are published at the county level only, with the following exceptions: (1) employment and earnings characteristics of the local population may be obtained from the decennial census of population; (2) zip-code level statistics on the number and size of business establishments may be obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau's Zip Code Business Patterns database; and (3) limited sales, employment, and earnings data may be available for cities of 2,500 or more residents from the U.S. Census Bureau's Economic Census, conducted every 5 years.
Q: Where can I find population projections?
A: The U.S. Census Bureau produces state-level population projections. County-level population projections are produced by private consulting firms including Woods & Poole Economics. Woods & Poole projections for Iowa's counties are available from the State Data Center of Iowa.
Q: What is the American Community Survey?
A: The American Community Survey (ACS) is a new survey administered by the U.S. Census Bureau that will replace the "long form" of the decennial population census beginning in 2010. The ACS provides estimates of demographic, housing, social, and economic characteristics. The ACS will provide direct estimates each year for states, populous counties, and other governmental units or population groups with a population of 65,000 or more. For smaller governmental units or population groups (those with a population of less than 65,000), it will take 3 to 5 years to produce estimates, which will be refreshed each year thereafter.
ACS data for geographic areas of 65,000 or more population are currently available. Data for areas with 20,000 or more population will be released during 2008. Data for areas under 20,000 population will be released in 2010.
