Census Bureau News -- County Population Estimates by Age, Sex, Race and Hispanic Origin: July 1, 2009

Census Bureau Releases 2009 County Characteristics Population Estimates

WASHINGTON, June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Census Bureau today released July 1, 2009, population estimates for each of the nation's 3,143 counties by race, Hispanic origin, age and sex.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

The estimates are based on 2000 Census data and updated by using administrative records to estimate components of population change — namely births, deaths, and domestic and international migration. Annual estimates for the 2000 to 2009 period are provided.

The new estimates are not 2010 Census population counts. They are, however, the last such estimates to use 2000 Census results as a base.

The 2011 population estimates will be the first in the estimates series to be based on the 2010 Census population counts.

In December, the Census Bureau will release the official population counts for the nation and states. The 2010 Census state population totals will be used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. By April 1, 2011, the Census Bureau must release race and Hispanic origin counts for counties, cities and smaller geographic areas so that states can proceed with redistricting.

"Census numbers govern the distribution of more than $400 billion in federal funds each year and serve as the baseline for future post-census population estimates," Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said. "The census provides a clear and detailed picture of our communities, including their changing demographic characteristics."

Also released today were July 1, 2009, population estimates by age and sex for Puerto Rico municipios.

The detailed tables show data for both the population who reported a race alone or in combination with one or more races and those who reported a single race only. The estimates are calculated using administrative records to estimate the components of population change, namely, births, deaths, and migration. The federal government treats Hispanic origin and race as separate and distinct concepts. Hispanics may be of any race. (See U.S. Census Bureau Guidance on the Presentation and Comparison of Race and Hispanic Origin Data http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/compraceho.html.)

Editor's note: The data can be accessed at http://www.census.gov/popest/estimates.html.

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau