The data gathered from the U.S. census is used for so much more than just counting the number of individuals in the United States. In this blog series we will be exploring 50 ways the U.S. Census data is used and why you should care. Believe it or not, the results of the 2020 U.S. Census are going to affect nearly every part of your day to day life. Here's how:
First 5 Reasons Why
The data gathered through the U.S. census is used in a multitude of different ways. It’s not only about being counted. Here are five unique ways U.S. census data is used that affects your daily life.
One little known use for census data that we all are sure to have seen lately is the assessment of the potential spread of communicable diseases. We all have seen the studies and projections used to estimate the spread of Covid-19. Well, data gathered from the U.S. census was used to help create these.
Another way we have seen census data put to use lately is the estimate of the number of people displaced by a natural disaster. U.S. census data is used to gauge the number of people affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. Accurate data allows for accurate and plentiful disaster relief efforts. One recent example of this is the emergency response to Hurricane Laura. Yet another use for census data that ties into to this is the usage of census data to create accurate maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance. Using census data, accurate maps can be made for emergency services to distinguish exactly where they need to go and the fastest possible way to get there, potentially saving more lives.
Census data is also used in more positive, proactive ways. The data gathered from the U.S. census is used to attract new businesses to state and local areas. This creates new markets and job opportunities in the local community. U.S. census data is also used to deliver goods and services to local markets, thereby boosting the local businesses and economy, further allowing the local area to thrive.
Data from the U.S. census is used in many different ways. From pandemic projections, to disaster relief and emergency services, to local markets and economies, U.S. census data plays a role in all of it and directly affects you. So stand up and be counted, your community is counting on you!
