Total population is a basic demographic indicator provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. As Census block group geography is based on population size, population density is common measure that identifies those block groups in the most urbanized areas by dividing the total population by the gross unprotected land area in square kilometers.
DATA DEVELOPMENT
The source data for population is gathered from the Census Bureau population and demographic characteristics. The American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates were used to provide the estimated population for 2014. The total population comprises all age cohorts and ethnicities. The total unprotected land (does not include conservation areas such as wetlands, forests and parks) is used as the denominator to provide a gross density in square kilometers.
Formula:
- Population density = total population among all age and ethnicities / total unprotected land in square kilometers.
The MSA level value is the unweighted mean of the values of all block groups in the MSA.
INDICATOR CALCULATION
This indicator was calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau using data from the sources listed below.
DATA SOURCES
- ยท U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS), 5-Year Estimates, 2014.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
