Published In

Metroscape

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 2011

Subjects

Social surveys -- Oregon, Household surveys -- Oregon, Demographic surveys -- Oregon, American community survey

Abstract

This edition of the periodic atlas uses recent American Community Survey (ACS) data to examine the percent of persons living in poverty in the metroscape. This variable, along with the percent foreign born, those with a bachelor's degree or higher, and average commuting time are available for viewing in Google Earth at our website. Perhaps more important than the snapshot we can attempt to capture of poverty in our community, is the caution we can offer to policymakers who may depend on ACS data to address perceived problems. This atlas therefore serves twin purposes: giving our readers the best analysis available about an important social issue, while also providing a caveat about the verity of the information that analysts might rely on to make recommendations. The margins of error that result from the relatively small sample size in ACS data suggest that these data must be used with care.

Description

Originally appeared in the Winter 2011 edition of Metroscape, published by the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, Portland State University.

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/6892

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