ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the definitions, assumptions and computer work necessary to determine demographic multipliers and socioeconomic characteristics of residents of housing types within a specific geographic area, using data available in the US Census Public Use Samples. This outline will give the analyst an idea of how Public Use data may be employed, and what is involved in using the data. Public Use data from the decennial national Census offer detailed descriptions, of individual households. The Public Use Samples include detailed descriptions of the housing unit and a complete list of data on every person in the household. The purpose of the samples is to permit researchers to compute statistical tables which regular Census reports do not include. Limited sample size is one potential drawback of the Public Use data for fiscal impact analysis. For state level analysis, Public Use Samples can effectively provide between a 1 and 4 percent sample of state households.
