Hello,
I’m wondering if individuals living in group quarters as defined by the US Census are included in the aggregate data available from NHGIS. I’m using microdata for most of my project, but need to generate estimates at the census tract level for the year 2000, which requires aggregate data (i.e., no indicator for census tract in microdata).
I drop individuals living in group quarters in the micro data, but I’m not sure if this is done in aggregate data files.
My apologizes as I’m sure this is documented somewhere, but I can’t seem to find it.
Thanks!
Kelsey
Dear Kelsey,
The universe of the aggregate data tables gives you an indication of who is counted in them. For example, a “total population” universe indicates that all persons (GQ and non-GQ) will be included in the counts. A “persons age 25+” universe also means all persons (GQ and non-GQ) will be included in the counts.
Any time you have a universe with “Households”, “Families”, “Persons in households”, “Persons in Families”, or something similar, the counts will exclude GQ persons since GQs aren’t households or families.
It’s not super well-documented, but the Census 2000 SF1 technical document has the table shells with universes. Pages B-3 and B-4 have a discussion of GQs, but it doesn’t go into detail about exactly when GQ persons are included or excluded from tables.
Sincerely,
Dave Van Riper
IPUMS
Many thanks, Dave!
This is helpful to know.