Key Measure Methods:

"Population is a number: Population is the number of people who are residents in a county. Residents include people in households and group quarters, civilians and non-civilians, citizens and non-citizens, and people incarcerated in the county.

The method for calculating Population has changed: Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes to confidentiality protections for the 2020 decennial census, the 2020 census could not be used as the base population or starting point to estimate changes in the population. For the Vintage 2022 population estimates, the census created a Blended Base using 2020 census data, 2020 Demographic Analysis Estimates, and Vintage 2020 Population Estimates for April 1, 2020. At the national level, total population counts for the base population come from the 2020 census data. At the county level, population counts for the base population come from a blend of these three datasets. There were also methodological changes to the estimates of births, deaths, and migration, partially to adjust for the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Caution should be used when comparing these estimates across years: The population estimates vintage data used for this measure include estimates for all years since the most recent decennial census and, therefore, supersede all previously produced estimates for those dates. For this reason, population and demographic estimates are best compared within the same vintage series. CHR data is drawn from the most recent vintage available each year and, therefore, includes multiple vintage series over time. 

Measure limitations: The data for this measure come from the Population Estimates Program, which uses survey data from the decennial census and American Community Survey and administrative records such as birth and death certificates. The measure is subject to the limitations of these data sources. The 2020 decennial census data that contributed to the population estimates Blended Base was collected during the social and environmental challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, wildfires, civil unrest, and rising privacy concerns. Not all households are self-represented in census counts. Some households may be counted by an interview with a census field worker, by using administrative records, or by proxy interviews with a landlord or neighbor.   

Finding More Data: Disaggregation means breaking data down into smaller, meaningful subgroups. Characteristics of people often break down disaggregated data or where they live. Disaggregated data can reveal inequalities that are otherwise hidden. These data can be disaggregated by:

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Sub county Area

Population estimates are available by age, sex, race, and subcounty from the U.S. Census Bureau."

References: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program. Methodology for the United States population estimates: Vintage 2022. 2022.  https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technical-documentation/methodology/2020-2022/methods-statement-v2022.pdf 

Website Source: Population* | County Health Rankings & Roadmaps