ABSTRACT
Demographic analysis is a fundamental first step to virtually every planning project. In short, demographics are the foundation on which local planning is built with respect to both the decisions that are made as well as processes that lead to those decisions. "Demographics" refers to the personal characteristics of the residents of a community as individuals and as members of families and households. If the population is projected to grow, new housing units will be needed since most people form households and reside in housing units. If population declines, housing units are likely to be vacated, and housing vacancies may have important planning implications. Planners must recognize how changes in population will have major implications with regard to the labor force and economy. People who are retired from the labor force may have fixed incomes or be reliant on sources of income other than wages, such as social security.
