1990 CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING Diann Weatherly Documents Reference Librarian Mervyn H. Sterne Library University of Alabama at Birmingham Table of Contents Introduction 2 About American Statistics Index (ASI) 2 Guides and Reference Aids 3 Major Reports 4 Reports for Metropolitan Statistical Areas 5 Reports for Urbanized Areas 6 Reports for American Indian and Alaska Native Areas 7 Other Reports 7 Subject Reports 8 Reports for Census Tracts and Blocks (Including Maps) 9 Zip Code Level Information 10 About the Alabama STF Microfiche 10 Computer Tape Files (Summary Tape Files/STF) 11 Other Data Products 11 Internet Sources for Census Information 11 Sources for Additional Information 11 (Current through ASI Supplement #10 of 1996) INTRODUCTION In the United States, a census of the population is taken every 10 years, primarily to determine how many seats each state will fill in the House of Representatives. Beyond this primary mandate, the decennial census determines various funding criteria and provides information on social and economic patterns in the country. The 1990 U.S. census of population and housing was conducted in April of 1990. Sterne Library purchases paper copy of the 1990 census for Alabama and U.S. Summary reports. All other reports will be found in microfiche through the American Statistics Index (ASI). Below are listed the major reports from the Census Bureau, the ASI number, and a call number if a paper publication has been added to the collection. For further information on census information, particularly for information available in electronic format, please consult with the documents reference librarian. Many researchers will find that the following sources will answer most of their census questions in the most efficient manner: Slater, Courtenay M. and George E. Hall, eds. County and City Extra: Annual Metro, City and County Data Book. Lanham, MD: Bernan Press, 1992- . (Ref HA 203 C68; Counter 19A) Designed after the official government publication, County and City Data Book, this source provides update tables, as well as the 1990 census of population and housing figures, at the geographic levels of state, metropolitan area, county and larger cities. Slater, Courtenay M. and George E. Hall, eds. Places, Towns, and Townships. Lanham, MD: Bernan Press, 1993- . (Ref HT 123 P53; Counter 19A) Basically the same design as the County and City Extra publication, listed above, this data book provides statistics for the smaller cities and "places" (a Bureau of the Census term), as well as the larger cities covered also in the County and City Extra. U.S. Bureau of the Census. Statistical Abstract of the United States. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. (Ref HA 202 U5; Counter 19A and the Ref/Info Desk) The Statistical Abstract is always a good place to begin a search for any statistical information. One of the most frequently used books in America, and amazing in its coverage, this book might be the only source you need to use. Its typical short-falling is lack of data at the smaller geographic levels, such as cities and towns, for which the two publications listed above might be a better first search choice. ABOUT AMERICAN STATISTICS INDEX (ASI) American Statistics Index. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Information Service, 1973- . (Counter 19A, for the Index & Abstracts; microfiche cabinets, 1st floor, for the microfiche) This publication describes itself as "A comprehensive guide to the statistical publications of the U.S. government." Through an index which provides subject access, abstracts which give excellent descriptions of statistical publications, and microfiche which contain the entire publication, this set is a great tool for finding statistical data. Population and housing census data have been included since the 1970 census. GUIDES AND REFERENCE AIDS 200 Years of U.S. Census Taking: Population and Housing Questions, 1790-1990. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1989. (Ref HA 37 U55 B63 1989x) Provides an historical overview of the decennial censuses in the United States. For each census, a copy of the major forms is shown, in addition to other major forms used during that census. Discussion of instructions to census takers is included as well. Includes a 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Guide. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. (Counter 18B; Ref HA 201 1990F) There are three parts to this guide which cover text, glossary and the STF files. Part A: Text describes the 1990 census forms, respondent instructions, testing of questions, etc. Part B: Glossary provides definitions of geographic, population and housing, and technical terms. Part C: Summary Tape Files Index has not yet been issued. 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Tabulation and Publication Program. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1989. (Counter 18B; not cataloged) This catalog describes the entire line of publications and products for the 1990 census from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, including paper copy, microfiche, map, and data products. Includes good descriptions of the products, including report numbers, and also some explanation of census terminology and geography. Census Catalog & Guide, 1994. Washington: Government Printing Office, (annual). (Counter 18B; Ref Z 7554 U5 U32) A catalog and guide to the programs, services and products of the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The 1993 edition of the guide includes a special section on the 1990 census beginning on page 205. Cowper, Diane C., et. al. The Concept of Veteran Status in the U.S. Decennial Censuses: 1960-90. Princeton, N.J.: Association of Public Data Users, 1994. (Ref UB 357 C68 1994) This brief publication provides a history of how veteran status has been handled in the census since 1960, as well as how tabulations have been conducted and how to compare veteran questions over this time period. U.S. Bureau of the Census. Maps and More: Your Guide to Census Bureau Geography. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1994. ((94) ASI 2308-67) Although the Bureau of the Census uses very common geographic ideas, such as states and counties, some geographic levels are ones created by the Census Bureau and exist only to provide data at more customized levels, for various government programs. This guide describes and illustrates the hierarchy of such geographic terms as "Census Designated Place (CDP)," "Block Numbering Area (BNA)," etc. U.S. Bureau of the Census. 1990 Census Questionnaire Content Bulletins. ((95 & 96) ASI 2326-23) A continuing series of bulletins addressing each question on the long form of the 1990 census questionnaire. Each provides a fact sheet along with some statistics, charts and suggested uses for the data. Some questions which have been addressed thus far include Ancestry (95) ASI 2326-23.20, Housing Costs (95) ASI 2326-23.19; and Disability (96) ASI 2326-23.24. For further information, see the ASI Abstracts volume. MAJOR REPORTS Below are listed the most popular reports from the 1990 census followed by their ASI microfiche number and, if the Library owns a paper copy, the reference call number. 1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics (CP-1-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. Alabama. (Counter 18B; Ref HA 221.5 1990 A222) U.S. Summary. (Counter 18B; Ref HA 201 1990d no.1; (93) ASI 2531-1) All other states. ((92) ASI 2531-1) Detailed statistics on age (including single year data), sex, race, Hispanic origin, marital status, and household relationship characteristics for geographic levels of state, county, place, etc. Corresponds to the 1980 report series, General Population Characteristics, Chapter B. 1990 Census of Population: Social and Economic Characteristics (CP-2-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993- . Alabama ((93) ASI 2531-3.2) U.S. Summary ((94) ASI 2531-3.1) Other States ((93 & 94) ASI 2531-3) Focuses on the population subjects collected on a sample basis in 1990. Will include geographic levels of state, county, place, etc., but not MSAs, which will be printed in a separate report, listed below. Comparable to the 1980 report series General Social and Economic Characteristics (Chapter C). 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Summary Population and Housing Characteristics (CPH-1-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1991 and 1992. Alabama (Counter 18B; Ref HA 221.5 1990; (91) ASI 2551-1.2) U.S. Summary (Counter 18B; Ref HA 201 1990 A 573; (92) ASI 2551-1) All other states and Virgin Islands ((91) ASI 2551-1) Puerto Rico ((92) ASI 2551-1) Provides total population and housing unit counts, including sex, race and Hispanic origin, as well as household relationships and some housing characteristics (i.e., occupancy rate, rental/homeowner, etc.). 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Summary Social, Economic, and Housing Characteristics (CPH-5- nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. Alabama (CPH-5-2). (Counter 18B; Ref HA 221.5 1990 A45; (92) ASI 2551-7.2) U.S. Summary. (Counter 18B; Ref HA 201 1990e; (93) ASI 2551-7.1) All other states ((92) ASI 2551-7) Pacific Outlying Areas. CPH-(6-ltrs.) ((92) ASI 2551-8) (Guam, Republic of Palau, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) Virgin Islands. ((93) ASI 2551-7.54) Sample population and housing data for state, county, county subdivision and place levels. Includes data for income, poverty, education, veteran, and disability. Some American Indian and Alaska Native social and economic characteristic data is provided at the county level. Housing characteristics include data for structural, plumbing, fuel, and equipment, as well as characteristics of the homeowner or renter. 1990 Census of Housing: General Housing Characteristics (CH-1-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. Alabama (Counter 18B; Ref HD 7303 A2 C46 1992x; (92) ASI 2471-1.2) U.S. Summary ((93) ASI 2471-1) All other states ((92) ASI 2471-1) Puerto Rico ((93) ASI 2471-1) Detailed statistics on units in structure, value and rent, number of rooms, tenure, and vacancy characteristics for states, counties, places, etc. The comparable 1980 report series was General Housing Characteristics, Chapter A. 1990 Census of Housing: Detailed Housing Characteristics (CH-2-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993- . Alabama ((93) ASI 2471-3.2) United States Summary ((94) ASI 2471-3.1) All other states and the Virgin Islands ((93) ASI 2471-3) Puerto Rico ((94) ASI 2471-3) Focuses on the housing subjects collected on a sample basis in 1990 for geographic levels of state, county, places, etc., except MSAs, which will be printed in a separate report, listed below. The comparable 1980 report series is Detailed Housing Characteristics (Chapter B) REPORTS FOR METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS Below are listed census reports which focus on population and housing characteristics in Metropolitan Statistical Areas, also known as "MSA's." Please refer to the "Major Reports" section above for a description of data items included for the parallel reports listed below. 1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CP-1- 1B). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. (Counter 18B; Ref HA 201 1990d no.1B; (93) ASI 2531-2.2) 1990 Census of Population: Social and Economic Characteristics for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CP-2- 1B). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((94) ASI 2531-5.2) 1990 Census of Housing: Detailed Housing Characteristics for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CH-2-1B). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((94) ASI 2471-4) 1990 Census of Housing: General Housing Characteristics for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CH-1-1B). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. (Counter 18B; Ref HA 201 1990 A65; (93) ASI 2471-2.2) 1990 Census of Population and Housing. Supplementary Reports: Metropolitan Areas as Defined by the Office of Management and Budget, June 30, 1993 (CPH-S-1-1). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((94) ASI 2557-1) A special compilation of data for the newly defined Metropolitan Areas (MA's) (post-1990 census). Because these changes occurred after the 1990 census, many of these areas will not compare well with 1990 MSA's. In the Birmingham MSA, for example, Walker County has been dropped. These definitions will be important to consider when comparing update reports and in future censuses. This report provides data for population, race, poverty, etc. REPORTS FOR URBANIZED AREAS Below are reports for the census which focus on population and housing characteristics in Urbanized Areas, also known as "UA's." 1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics for Urbanized Areas (CP-1-1C). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. ((93) ASI 2531-2.3) 1990 Census of Population: Social and Economic Characteristics for Urbanized Areas (CP-2-1C). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((94) ASI 2531-5.3) 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Supplementary Reports: Urbanized Areas of the U.S. and Puerto Rico (CPH-5-1-2), 1993. ((94) ASI 2557-2) 1990 Census of Housing: Detailed Housing Characteristics for Urbanized Areas (CH-2-1C). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((94) ASI 2471-4.3) 1990 Census of Housing: General Housing Characteristics for Urbanized Areas (CH-1-1C). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((93) ASI 2471-2.3) REPORTS FOR AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE AREAS Below are reports for the census which focus on population and housing characteristics in American Indian and Alaska native areas. The information for each report is similar to the summary report listed in "Major Reports," listed above. Please refer to that section for a description of data items included for the parallel reports listed below. 1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics for American Indian and Alaska Native Areas (CP-1-1A). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. ((92) ASI 2531-2.1) 1990 Census of Population: Social and Economic Characteristics for American Indian and Alaska Native Areas (CP-2-1A). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((94) ASI 2531-5.1) 1990 Census of Housing: Detailed Housing Characteristics for American Indian and Alaska Native Areas (CH-2-1A). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((94) ASI 2471- 4.1) 1990 Census of Housing: General Housing Characteristics for American Indian and Alaska Native Areas (CH-1-1A). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. ((93) ASI 2471- 2.1) OTHER REPORTS 1990 Census of Population: Supplementary Reports: Detailed Ancestry Groups for States (CP-S-1-2). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. ((93) ASI 2535-2) Presents data on the 215 most frequently cited ancestry groups by region, census division and state. 1990 Census of Population: Supplementary Reports: Detailed Occupation and Other Characteristics from the EEO File for the United States (CP-S-1-1). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1992. ((93) ASI 2535-1) Provides data on occupations and educational attainment of the civilian labor force by sex, race and Hispanic origin. U.S. level only- no geographic breakdown. 1990 Census of Population and Housing: P.L. 94-171: Higher Level Geographic Summary Series. State Reports. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1991. ((91) ASI 2551-5) Provides total and adult population (aged 18 and over) by race and Hispanic origin. One report for each state and D.C. 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Population and Housing Characteristics for Congressional Districts of the 103rd Congress (CPH-4-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1990. ((93) ASI 2551-4) 100-percent and sample data. One report for each state and the District of Columbia showing population and housing data for Congressional Districts, plus some other geographic levels. 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Population and Housing Unit Counts (CPH-2-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1990. Alabama. (Counter 18B; Ref HA 201 1990 A55; (93) ASI 2551-2) U.S. Summary ((94) ASI 2551-2.1) All other states and areas. ((93) ASI 2551-2) 100-percent data. Provides total population and housing unit counts, as well as land area, for states, counties, MSAs, places, etc., with trends from 1790. 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Evaluation and Research Reports. Content Reinterview Survey: Accuracy of Data for Selected Population and Housing Characteristics as Measured by Reinterview (CPH- E-1). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993. ((93) ASI 2553-1) Report on response errors using a sample survey of approximately 12,000 housing units. SUBJECT REPORTS 1990 Census of Population: Population Subject Reports (CP-3-x). Washington: Government Printing Office. 30 population subject reports are planned covering such topics as migration, income, and the older population. Geographic areas covered are usually larger areas, such as the United States, regions or divisions. ((93) ASI 2531-4.1) Foreign-Born Population in the U.S ((94) ASI 2531-4.2) Ancestry of the Population of the U.S. ((94) ASI 2531-4.3) Persons of Hispanic Origin in the U.S. ((94) ASI 2531-4.4) Education in the U.S. ((94) ASI 2531-4.5) Asian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. ((94) ASI 2531-4.6) Characteristics of American Indians by Tribe and Language ((95) ASI 2531-4.7) Characteristics of the Black Population 1990 Census of Housing: Housing Subject Reports (CH-3-x). Washington: Government Printing Office. (Not yet released) 10 housing subject reports are planned covering items such as structural characteristics and space utilization. Geographic areas covered are usually larger areas, such as the United States, regions or divisions. REPORTS FOR CENSUS TRACTS AND BLOCKS (INCLUDING MAPS) Tracts and blocks provide population and housing data for smaller areas, so that a researcher can create information for "neighborhoods" or for a locally recognized area such as the "280 corridor." Census tracts are designed to be relatively homogeneous for population characteristics, economic status, and living conditions, and to contain between 2,500 and 8,000 inhabitants. A block is the smallest census division, an area bounded on all sides by visible features such as streets, roads, streams, and railroad tracks, and sometimes by nonvisible boundaries such as city limits. For block maps and statistics, please confer with the Documents Reference Librarian. Sterne Library obtains paper copies of tract reports and maps for Alabama and its MSAs, locations of which are listed below. For all other states' tract reports and maps, use the ASI microfiche collection. 1990 Census of Population and Housing: Population and Housing Characteristics for Census Tracts and Block Numbering Areas. (CPH-3-nos.). Washington: Government Printing Office, 1993- . Alabama (see below); Other states ((93) ASI 2551-3 for reports); (93) ASI 2551-10 for maps); Puerto Rico and The Virgin Islands ((94) ASI 2551-3 for reports) 100-percent and sample data. One report for each MSA and one for the balance of the state. Each report also has a set of tract and block numbering area maps. Alabama MSAs owned in paper copy, shelved on Counter 18B, are as follows: Alabama, outside metropolitan areas. (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 2) Anniston MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 70) Birmingham MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 90 ) Columbus, GA-AL MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 121) Decatur MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 130) Dothan MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 135) Florence MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 151) Gadsden MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 160) Huntsville MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 178) Mobile MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 233) Montgomery MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 236) Tuscaloosa MSA (Ref HA 201 1990h no. 325) ZIP CODE LEVEL INFORMATION Although many researchers, especially those in the business community, prefer to use the zip code as the geographic level of population and housing data, zip code level data should be used cautiously. Zip codes were not created to be uniform nor consistent over time, but rather to serve as postal service delivery areas. As such, maps of zip code areas are not readily available, plus changes to such maps can occur haphazardly and without notice to those who using such areas. Data used for a single year's information should be fairly accurate, but comparison between years may not be. In addition to the following sources available in Sterne Library, the STF 3B cd-roms, which provide electronic access to zip code population and housing data, are available at other area libraries. Commercial Atlas & Marketing Guide. Chicago: Rand McNally and Co., 1992. (Ref G1019 R22; Atlas Section) Provides one large map of the United States with zip codes, plus a table of some population and sales data for zip codes. The Sourcebook of ZIP Code Demographics: Census Edition. (2 vols.). Arlington, VA: CACI Marketing Systems, 1991. (Ref HA 203 S67 1990) Although produced annually, this edition is cited because the data is compiled from the Bureau of the Census Summary Tape Files (STF's); therefore, data is valid to use with 1990 census reports. Zip Code Mapbook of Metropolitan Areas: United States. (Ref G 1201 P8 C3 1992; Atlas Section) Good luck trying to find the boundaries of zip code areas on this map, since the areas are small and geographic features are not labeled. Nevertheless, this is one of the few sources available to attempt mapping of zip code areas. For zip codes outside metropolitan areas, try the Rand McNally guide listed above. ABOUT THE ALABAMA STF MICROFICHE This set of microfiche was the first detailed data Sterne Library received from the Census "Summary Tape Files" (STF). Much of this information will be repeated in the official publications listed above, but some of the information may be unique, or at least, the information may be presented in a format that is more useful. Whether you choose to use the STF microfiche, the ASI microfiche, or the paper-copy books, much of the information will be the same, but presented differently, or divided into different geographic levels (e.g., cities, metropolitan statistical areas, counties, etc.). To see an example of the type of information provided on these fiche, tables for Birmingham City and Jefferson, Blount, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties have been printed from the microfiche and placed in a white notebook labeled "1990 Census STF Data" on Counter 18B. Otherwise, use the microfiche, in microfiche cabinet labeled "Fiche by Call Number" on first floor, as follows: Alabama Counties (Microfiche HA 221.5 1990 C45 1991c); Alabama Places [Cities] and CDPs (Microfiche HA 221.5 1990 C45 1991p); Alabama Tracts and BNAs (Microfiche HA 221.5 1990 C45 1991t); Alabama Block Groups (Microfiche HA 221.5 1990 C45 1991b); Alabama CCD Profiles (Microfiche HA 221.5 1990 C45 1991d); Alabama STF 3, Alabama MSA's (Microfiche HA 221.5 1990 C45 1991M). COMPUTER TAPE FILES (SUMMARY TAPE FILES/STF) Computer tape files, or Summary Tape Files (STFs), provide more detail than the printed publications and the ability to manipulate data by computer. State Data Centers receive the tapes for their state of location, plus additional state's tapes as that particular Data Center can utilize. UAB houses a State Data Center affiliate in the Center for Urban Affairs. A more extensive data center is located on the campus of the University of Alabama. For UAB students and faculty, data files may be ordered through UAB's membership in ICPSR. See the Documents Reference Librarian for more information. OTHER DATA PRODUCTS The Bureau of the Census offers census information on several other formats, such as CD-ROM, microfiche, and sub-sets of the STFs listed above. Birmingham Public Library, downtown, has a number of Census product on CD-ROM, available in the government documents department. In addition, personal copies of these products, maps or otherwise, may be ordered from the Bureau of the Census (301-763-4100) or the GPO Bookstore (2021 3rd Ave., N.; 731-1056). For UAB faculty and students, data products may be ordered through ICPSR, of which UAB is a member institution. See Diann Weatherly for details. INTERNET SOURCES FOR CENSUS INFORMATION The Internet is not a single, controlled entity, but rather a huge systems of many networks, computers and individuals, subject to change at any time. This should be kept in mind when using any of the sites listed below, for addresses tend to change as well as the information kept online at a site. Census information may be available at many Internet sites. Listed below are two primary sites. CENSUS BUREAU http://www.census.gov UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/ SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Diann Weatherly, Documents Reference Librarian 934-6364 Bureau of the Census, Atlanta Regional Office 404-730-3833 Census Bureau, Customer Services, Washington, D.C. 301-763-4100; FX 301-763-4794 State Data Center / Center for Business & Economic 205-348-6191 Research, Tuscaloosa, AL Birmingham Public Library, Government Documents Dept. 226-3620 C. Diann Weatherly Documents Reference Librarian Mervyn H. Sterne Library The University of Alabama at Birmingham UAB Station Birmingham, AL 35294-0014 (205) 934-6364 dweather@uab.edu dweatherly@beowulf.mhsl.uab.edu rev. 1/97