Census Data Comparison Exercise: Two Variables

Census Data Comparison Exercise: Two Variables

Objective: Practice downloading Census data that combines two different variables and use it to make a comparison story.
Time: ~25 minutes

Step 1. Name

• Name: _____________

Step 2. Choose a Question (2 minutes)

Pick one question to explore (or come up with your own).

• How do homeownership rates differ by race/ethnicity in one state or city?
• How do median household incomes differ by race/ethnicity?
• How do poverty rates differ by age group or by educational attainment?
• How does educational attainment differ by nativity (U.S.-born vs foreign-born)?
• _____________ (your own idea)

Step 3. Find the Data (10 minutes)

1. Go to data.census.gov.
2. Search for an ACS table that matches your question. Examples:
   • B25003A–I: Tenure (owner/renter) by race (separate tables for each race/ethnicity).
   • B19013A–I: Median household income by race.
   • B17020: Poverty status by age.
   • B15002: Educational attainment by sex.
3. Choose state or county/city level data.
4. Record your table(s):
   • Table ID(s): _____________
   • Location: _____________

Step 4. Make a Comparison (8 minutes)

Do at least one comparison. Examples:

• Compare homeownership rates for White vs. Black vs. Hispanic households.
• Compare median household income by race in your state.
• Compare poverty rates by age group.

Our Comparison:

Variable 1: ___________
Variable 2: _____________
Key comparison (in words): _______________

Step 5. Create a Visualization (5 minutes)

Choose a way to show your comparison:

• Side-by-side bar chart
• Stacked bar chart
• Table with highlights
• Simple sketch on paper

Step 6. Tell the Story (3 minutes)

Write 2–3 sentences interpreting your comparison.

Our Story: