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This report examines the median household income in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties by race and ethnicity, highlighting significant disparities. It specifically compares the incomes of Black and Hispanic households to White households, revealing that Cabarrus County has a higher median household income than Rowan County. Insights include a threefold increase in Black and Hispanic incomes in Cabarrus, a narrowing income gap between Black and White households, and the growing percentage of Hispanic income compared to White income. The study also considers various data sources, including Census statistics, to deepen the understanding of these trends.
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Census 2000Summary File 3 Data Data Dragnet
The data request we are about to discuss is real. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Data Request “I was calling in regards to a story I’m doing looking at the median household income in Cabarrus/Rowan Counties by race and ethnicity, as well as how Black and Hispanic income compares to White income. I had a couple of specific questions for you as well as wanted to touch base with you on any general impressions Hope you don’t mind, I’m attaching a spreadsheet with some numbers that I’ve been looking at. Could you please give me a call.” - Joe Tattler, Daily News
Just the Facts • See the Numbers- Take a look at the initial information • Consider the Question- Determine what data is really needed • The Usual Suspects- Census data (decennial or other)- State Government data - Local experts
The Initial Evidence • Cabarrus’s median hhld income is significantly higher than Rowan’s. • Percent change in both Black and Hispanic median hhld income was roughly 3 times higher in Cabarrus County than Rowan County. • The gap between Black and White median hhld income in Cabarrus County narrowed but was “flat” in Rowan County • Median hhld income gap was/is more narrow in Rowan County. • Hispanic median hhld income as a percent of White median hhld income increased in both counties.
What Does It All Mean? “What does that tell you about these two counties?” - Joe Tattler, Daily News “What’s driving these numbers?” - Joe Tattler, Daily News
Census DataLocating the Information Hideouts NC Census Lookup http://census.state.nc.us/lookup American FactFinder http://factfinder.census.gov
Census Data ProfilesViewing the Data Line-up • Summary File 1 • 100% data • Pop. and housing • -Block coverage • Summary File 3 • -Sample data • -Socio-economic • -Tract coverage
Census Data ProfilesChanging Appearances 2000 SF3 Profile 1990 STF3 Profile
Census Data ProfilesSeeing Through the Disguise • STF/SF name change is due to release format • There have been significant changes in census content and concepts from 1990 to 2000.- Race categories are NOT comparable- Grandparents as caregivers is a new item • Changes in content and concepts have led to changes in profile appearance.- 29-page profile from 1990 STF3- 58-page profile from 2000 SF3
Other Census Data SourcesThe Accomplices • County Business Patterns • Economic Census • Current Population Survey • American Community Survey • Other US Dept of Commerce Sources- Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Economic Information System (REIS)
The data business was big. Maybe too big. I needed new information and a way to accurately compare trend data.I began investigating local leads.
State ResourcesNC Department of Commerce Economic Development Information System (EDIS) Economic Development Scans Industry Profiles State Comparisons http://www.nccommerce.com
State ResourcesNC State Data Center Census Information census.state.nc.us Log Into North Carolina (LINC) linc.state.nc.us
Making the Call I contacted Joe Tattler at the Daily News, and I told him what I’d found. I was expecting more questions. I was in for a surprise.
Experts in the FieldSDC Affiliate Network SDC affiliates providestatewide coverage At least 2 affiliates for each county Local experts Public Library and LeadRegional Organizations State Library ofNorth Carolina Locate affiliates by Countysdc.state.nc.us
Closing the CaseSummary • Census source data and concepts • Other US Dept. of Commerce sources • State Data Center web and affiliate resources • NC Dept. of Commerce resources
It felt good to close this case, but there would be others. Soon the phone would ring, but right now there was coffee.