Demographic/Census Data
Federal, state, and local governments are excellent sources of
demographic information. On the federal level, the Census Bureau
has details from the last U.S. census -- extremely useful for
viewing your regional market. Almost every state and county
publishes their own census tracts - population density and
distribution figures. These show you the number of people living
in specific areas such as precincts, water districts, and
neighborhoods. You can probably find this abstract at your
research library, through your local Small Business Development
Center, or through your state economic development office.
Also contact your local chamber of commerce or economic
development authority. Since they are looking to encourage
businesses to locate in their areas, they can provide you with
information on population trends, payroll statistics, income
characteristics, etc. Utilities (the gas and electric company)
and banks may also have this kind of information available.
- Hidden Treasures: Census Bureau Data and Where to Find It -
this book, published by the Census Bureau, includes where to
find federal and state information.
- Statistical Abstract of the United States - has more
than 1,000 pages of statistical information from
government and private sources. Excellent for reference
citations.
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