Hi Census power users—
This is one of those things that deserves repeating…
Census Bureau is asking for descriptions of
how you use – and why you need – specific tabulations of the 2020 Census. This input will shape the SF1 and SF2 products that will be available 2+ years from now. They have recently
re-opened the comments period. The latest Fed Register Notice extends the comments deadline
to November 8.
Comments have already been submitted by State Data Center agencies from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Mass., Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
You can see everyone’s comments here. It’s
public info!
Why your comments matter: Differential privacy protection.
The Census Bureau will modify some Decennial SF1 and SF2 tabulations that were previously available – and they could reduce the details available for census blocks (the most detailed,
localized geographic level).
Unpacking what I’ve heard about this, I believe the Census Bureau is considering a range of possibilities. They are really asking:
- What tables or variables are mandatory and must be precise to the nearest 1 person?
- What tables or variables can allow for “perturbing” or “noise infusing” of data cells – typically through block-to-block swapping of individual microdata
records – in order to protect privacy?
- And what tables that were previously published for census blocks can be “clawed back” – and be tabulated only for larger geographic units.
Some background information on
differential privacy protection can be found in recent presentations by Census Bureau.
Give it some thought – and get those comments in.
Cheers,
Todd Graham
- Principal Demographer, Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities
- Chair, State Data Center Steering Committee
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Todd Graham Principal Demographer | Metropolitan Council | Research todd.graham@metc.state.mn.us P. 651.602.1322 | F. 651.602.1674 390 North Robert Street | St. Paul, MN 55101 |
metrocouncil.org/data
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