DataPoint | December 2022

DataPoint | December 2022

A Newsletter for Indiana Data Users

Data Release: ACS 5-year Estimates (2017-2021)

The American Community Survey produced its most recent 5-year (2017-2021) estimates in early December, which is of interest to those of us looking for reliable estimates for small areas during the 2020-2021 time range. The Census Bureau held a pre-release webinar December 1. For webinar recording and materials, visit the webpage.  View the press release here. For additional guidance using American Community Survey estimates, see the government publication Understanding and Using American Community Survey Data: What Researchers Need to Know (2020).

Urban definition shifts following 2020 Census

Every state in the United States has geographic areas that are re-designated urban or rural by the U.S. Census Bureau following each decennial census. This week, the Census Bureau announced that after the 2020 Census, the minimum population threshold for what defines an urban area has shifted from 2,500 to 5,000 people or at least 2,000 housing units. You can visit this webpage for an Excel list of current urban areas by state and check here for more 2020 Census Urban Areas Facts. For the original Federal Register notice, click here.

New from MPH!

The Indiana Management Performance Hub (MPH) periodically updates the datasets on its DataHub, the collection of data housed on its website. Recently added datasets include Indiana211 data and 8 years of statewide Emergency Medical Service (EMS) runs. These data are de-identified so customers and patients remain anonymous. You can view the data by county, see details about service calls, and sort data by date or type/number of referrals. The MPH is now hiring for the 2023 Summer Internship Program! Dive into data by exploring the openings here.