Department of Finance
915 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

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Demographic Research Unit Overview

The State's Demographic Research Unit has earned a national reputation for its program. The Unit is designated to represent the State in national programs relating to population statistics: National Governor's Association Population Task Force, Federal-State Cooperative Program for Population Projections and Estimates, and the State Census Data Center Program.

Legislation created the Demographic Research Unit within the Department of Finance in 1951 to serve as the single official source of demographic data for State planning and budgeting. Population data are used to establish appropriation limitations; distribute subvention funds, various Federal program funds, wastewater treatment funds, and other State funds; allocate capital outlay funds; and aid in the planning and evaluation of programs. State agencies and departments, local governments, the federal government, school districts, public utilities, the private sector, and the public use demographic data.

Unit staff provide demographic research and analysis, produce publications of current population estimates and future projections of population and school enrollment, and disseminate census data. The Unit also consults with other government agencies and the private sector.

Census

The State Census Data Center (SCDC) was established on January 1, 1979 to serve as the central point for dissemination of census data to State and local government agencies and the general public in California. The SCDC program is a national effort by the U.S. Census Bureau designed to increase and improve public access to census statistical products.

The SCDC provides services to State Agencies in processing machine-readable data, user consultation, data analysis and provides user training workshops upon request. The SCDC library houses a broad spectrum of data sources including the 1970, 1980, and 1990 decennial censuses, the Census of Agriculture, the Economic Censuses, and several special and periodic surveys.

The Data Center local network is composed of 5 regional centers and 36 affiliate centers throughout the State. Working with the SCDC, the regional and affiliate centers provides products and services to the 58 California counties.

Estimates

Annual population estimates of the State, counties and cities are provided by the Demographic Research Unit. Information on housing units, vacancies, average household size, components of population change, and special populations are also available. The data are used in determining the annual appropriations limit for all California jurisdictions, to distribute State subventions to cities and counties, to comply with various State codes, and for research and planning purposes by federal, State and local agencies, the academic community and the private sector.

Projections

The Unit forecasts both population and public school enrollment. Population projections are made for the State and the counties for 50 years into the future with age, sex, and race/ethnic detail. The enrollment forecasts have a 10-year outlook and are available at the county level for kindergarten through high school graduates. Post-secondary education enrollment is available on a statewide basis. As direct inputs to the State budget, the Unit biannually provides short-term statewide population and kindergarten through 12th grade Average Daily Attendance projections.

Demographers within the Unit are also available for consultation with other government agencies and the private sector.

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Contact Us

• email: ficalpop@dof.ca.gov