CPHD
Frequently Asked Questions
What Census data is available for Arlington County on this web site?
The Arlington County Census Data web site presents selected data from the 2000 Census Summary File 1 (SF1) and Summary File 3 (SF3).
SF1 data is based on answers to the Census short-form questionnaire, including Population, Race and Hispanic Origin, Age Distribution, Sex, Household Type, Housing Tenure, and Housing Vacancy. This information is presented for the County and County sub-areas, including Metro Station Areas, Civic Associations, Neighborhood Strategy Areas, Census Tracts, and Zip Codes. Data is presented in tables, in charts and graphs, and on maps.
SF3 data is based on answers to the long-form questionnaire and includes information on Educational Attainment, Marital Status, Income, Poverty, Rent and Mortgage, and other population and housing characteristics. This information is available for the County, as well as County Census Tracts and Zip Codes.
A 2000 demographic profile of Arlington County that summarizes SF1 and SF3 data is available in pdf format from the US Census Bureau. The Arlington County Census Data web site provides more detailed information and analysis.
Where can I access additional Census data for Arlington County or other counties or cities?
In addition to the data presented on this web site, you can access other data from the 1990 and 2000 Census on the US Census Bureau’s American Fact Finder application. This system allows users to access data from the 2000 Census (and other datasets) at various levels of geography (e.g., County, Census tract, Zip code).
What is "demographic data" or what are "demographics"?
Sometimes we use the terms "Census data" and "demographic data" interchangeably. Demographics refer to the statistical characteristics that are used to describe populations. These characteristics include descriptors of people, such as age, race, sex, personal income, marital status, or educational attainment. Demographic characteristics can also refer to households and describe things like household size, household structure, family type, and household income. Many demographic characteristics are available from Census data.
Where can I get Census data for the entire Washington Metropolitan Area?
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has three Census publications about the Washington DC metro area. You can access them on their web site.
You can get additional Census data for the Washington DC Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area on the US Census Bureau’s American FactFinder site.
Where can I get Census data for my neighborhood in Arlington?
The Arlington County Census Data web site has Census data for each Civic Association in the County. In addition, the US Census Bureau's American FactFinder application lets you get some Census data for your neighborhood by typing in your street address.