Demographic data consists of descriptors and characteristics of people and places, for a given timeframe. The demographic data described in this document begins with people but are summarized for places and small areas like neighborhoods. For example, census data is collected from people filling out census questionnaires and is tabulated by the Census Bureau for places and geographic areas.
Demographic data includes various household and population characteristics, such as estimates of income, age, race, and ethnicity for Census Block Groups, other larger areas of Census geography, ZIP Codes, and Designated Market Area Regions (DMAR).
The demographic data described in this document includes summary counts, estimates, projections, distributions and other statistics for geographic areas (units). As one example, average household size refers to the average number of persons living in housing units within a particular census tract or ZIP Code.
Demographic data provides vital inputs into business decisions and marketing strategies, yielding insight on current and prospective consumers.