Socioeconomic Trend Analysis

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Socioeconomic Trend Analysis

• Reno, NV
• February 2, 2007

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Population Density
Source Wikipedia Encyclopedia
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Western States Population Density, 2000
Source Wikipedia Encyclopedia
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Nevada
Source Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Nevada Metropolitan and Micropolitan Key
Demographic Statistics, 2006
Source U.S. Census Bureau
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Outline

• Why data is important in assessing a community?
• What types of data are available and where to
  locate?
• How can data be analyzed to better understand my
  community?
• How can data and results be presented to targeted
  audiences?
• Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Analysis
  Project

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Why data is important in assessing my
community?Why Social and Economic Data is
Important

• Data is powerful!
• Can provide an excellent quantitative snapshot of
  a community
• Single time period (2000 census)
• Multiple time periods (1990 census and 2000
  census)
• Using both quantitative and qualitative data can
  better explain cause and effect relationships
• Excellent educational tool for community leaders
  and broad community audiences

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Types of Data Available
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Types of Data Available Types of Data

• Primary Data
• Collected at the source
• Answers a research question
• Examples needs assessment, community and policy
  issues
• Secondary Data
• Collected and published by a third party
• Provides a context for better understanding a
  community and issues

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Types of Data Available Levels of Data

• National
• Regional
• Multi-state
• Multi-county
• Local
• County
• City/Zip Code
• Census tract

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Types of Data Available Common Sources of Data

• Federal
• State
• Local
• Private

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Types of Data Available Types of Data and Where
to Locate

• Demographic (basic social characteristics)
• Employment (resident vs. commuter)
• Occupation (employment unemployment)
• Income (payroll, transfer payments, etc..)
• Trade (output, I-O, business characteristics)

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Types of Data Available Types of Data and Where
to Locate (cont.)

• Prices (cost of living, consumer expenditures)
• Economic Assets (debt finance, research,
  education, infrastructure)
• Quality of Life (housing, environ, etc)
• Industry (industrial sectors)
• Firms (profit nonprofit)

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Using Data for Community Assessment
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Using Data for AssessmentQuestions Often Asked

• What does population tell us about our
  county/community?
• What are the current employment conditions in our
  community?
• What part of our local economy is growing or not
  growing?
• How does our local economy compare to other
  nearby economies?
• What are the current economic indicators for the
  community or region and how can this be used to
  identify opportunities?

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Using Data for AssessmentKey Points to Consider
when Conducting Demographic and Economic Analysis

• No single number represents the local economy.
• Make comparisons between other communities/countie
  s.
• Examine change over time.
• A reality check is essential. Always be
  willing to use data that is provided by a
  reliable source.

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Presentation
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Data Analysis PresentationBasic
Community/County Profile

• Provides a basic overview of important
  demographic and economic indicators.
• Data can be presented in a series of tables
  and/or charts.
• Example Lincoln County NevadaFact Sheet

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Data Analysis Presentation Basic Methods

• Absolute Change (two or more points)
• Percent Change (two or more points)
• Index Change (comparison to a base year)
• Percent Distribution

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Data Analysis Presentation Population Trends
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Data Analysis Presentation Data Presentation
Examples
Population (Absolute)
Population (Index)
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Data Analysis Presentation Employment Trends
by Major Economic Sector
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Data Analysis PresentationData Presentation
Examples
Employment ( Change)
Employment (Absolute)
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Data Analysis PresentationData Presentation
Examples
Employment 2000
Employment 1990
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Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Analysis
Project