How To Visualize Demographic Data For Specific Regions

What is Demographic Data?

In the United States, demographic data is usually collected by sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or the U.S. Census Bureau. This data is made up of statistical information about the people living in a specific area. For example, if a municipal recreation department wanted to build a community playground, they would first look at their area's demographic data. In doing so, they could find out how many young families live in the area. If the data shows that the population is primarily elderly, then it wouldn't make sense to build a playground in this area, and they would therefore save themselves time and money. 

Categories of Demographic Data

There are five different types of demographic data:

Age

It's important to know the age of a population in a specific area because different generations have different priorities, viewpoints, and habits. For instance, people between 50 and 60 won't have the desires as people in their 20's and 30's. 

Gender

In recent years, gender has become a fluid concept. While there used to be only two categories for gender, male and female, this is no longer accurate. In fact, more than double the percentage of people born between 1980 and 1999 identify as LGBTQ+ compared to people born between 1965 and 1979. Therefore, although it's simpler only to consider two genders when showing demographics on a map, you must consider non-binary genders as well.

Occupation

Knowing how people make a living can give you a better idea of the habits of residents in particular areas. Additionally, when you understand the types of careers that people in a certain location have, this can help support statistics regarding annual household income. It can also identify the needs of a particular community. For instance, if data shows that most people live in one place and commute elsewhere for a job, this would tell you that you're dealing with a bedroom community. Bedroom communities need infrastructure for commuting and activities to do near their homes on the weekends. 

Family Status

For infrastructure planning purposes, it's crucial to know the makeup of the average household. This includes how many children, on average, there are per house and the marital status of the people in the area. As a result, you'll have a better understanding of residents' habits and needs. For example, if there are a lot of families, you will need larger homes rather than condominiums in your community. 

Cultural Background

Lastly, demographic data can give you information on residents' race and ethnicity. In general, cultural, demographic data usually separates people into categories such as:

• Hispanic

• Non-Hispanic white

• Asian

• Black

• American Indian or Alaska Native

• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

• Two or more races 

How to Visualize Demographic Data for Specific Regions

Straightforward data visualization is essential for community planning purposes. The best way to visualize this data for specific regions is to plot it on a map. 

A number of mapping software options provide demographic data about the people living within a selected territory. In general, you can use these programs to select an area through zip codes, cities, counties, states, or congressional districts. You will then get the option to choose the type of demographic data you want to display for said area. 

Alternatively, you can plot demographic data onto a map by uploading the information through a spreadsheet. Just make sure that the file you upload includes location information.

Advantages of Visualizing Demographic Data on a Map

Discover New Insights

Making sense of a list of numbers is difficult. However, showing demographic data on a map makes it easier to discover new trends. 

Improve Presentations

When making infrastructure plans, it can be challenging to get everyone on the same page. However, by presenting demographic data on a map, you can get your point across easier. Additionally, it will make your presentation more engaging. 

Prioritize Infrastructure Building

Prioritizing community projects can be complicated. However, visualizing demographic data on a map can help to make these priorities clearer. For instance, a map can show you where there's a growing number of school-age children and the distance from these children to schools. Consequently, you will know whether building a new school needs to be a priority.