ACS Data Users Group

I hope this is an easy question to answer.

I pulled the population data from NHGIS IPUMS for 2020 (table U7B001) and the 2020 Census (table co-est2020). I noticed the total population numbers were both different. For example; Hillsborough County, FL in IPUMS is 1,459,762 and Census table is 1,497,957. While I like the larger population number, which one is the correct table to use?

Thanks in advance.

Robin

Both are correct. The data from NHGIS iPUMS is actually from the Census Bureau, PL 94-171 data file released August 2021. The 1,459,762 is the official decennial census total population for Hillsborough County. The 1,497,957 is the population ESTIMATE for July 1, 2020, also from the US Census Bureau. I think the Census Bureau calls this the "vintage 2020" estimates for July 1, 2020. The "vintage 2021" estimates were released December 21, 2021, but are just at the nation and state-level, for right now. I would stick with the 1,459,762 decennial census value, until the Bureau fully releases updated population estimates that fully integrate the 2020 Census.

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technical-documentation/research/evaluation-estimates/2020-evaluation-estimates/2010s-counties-total.html

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/2021-population-estimates.html

Hope this helps.

Chuck

Thank you so much for that great explanation Chuck. Great advice as well as it does help a lot.

Robin