The Texas Demographic Center (TDC), which supports the work of the Texas State Demographer, functions as a focal point for the distribution of Census Bureau information for Texas. The TDC is part of the Census Bureau’s national State Data Center (SDC) partnership program, a network of 52 centers. As part of the SDC program, the TDC supports Census Bureau efforts in the areas of geography, product testing, survey participation, community partnership building and other programs.
Through its Population Estimates and Projections Program, the Texas Demographic Center has been providing the most current population data available since the 1980s. The two main products of this program include annual estimates of the total population of counties and places in the state as well as estimates of state and county populations by age, sex, and race/ethnicity and biennial projections of the population of the state and all counties by age, sex and race/ethnicity. The foundation for this program is the data the TDC collects. Besides the collection of administrative and public data, the TDC also conducts five surveys, which encompass private schools, private universities and private colleges as well as Texas counties and places. Every year all Texas places receive an Annexation and Boundary as well as a Building Permits Survey and all counties receive a Building Permits Survey for Unincorporated Areas. Survey forms to county and city officials are sent in early January and a follow up survey to non-respondents is sent out the beginning of Februrary. The data the TDC receives is integral to producing accurate population estimates that will be used by many state agencies, local governments, policy makers, and other data users to plan, budget and manage services more efficiently.
The Texas Demographic Center also supports the U.S. Census Bureau’s endeavors to make sure every person is counted in the 2020 decennial census. The next count takes place April 1. The decennial census is the nation’s largest peacetime effort in American history. As the 2nd largest state in the union, we must make sure Texas counts! Between 2000 and 2010, Texas added over 4 million residents and gained 3 congressional seats. Since the last census, Texas has added over 3.5 million and is well positioned to gain at least two additional congressional seats after 2020. The 2020 decennial census data will serve as the base for nearly all demographic and socio-economic statistics for the next 10 years. The quality of these data is directly linked to a complete and accurate count in 2020.
For further questions or information about the TDC surveys and the Texas Population Estimates and Projections Program, contact Janine Geppert with the Texas Demographic Center at (210) 458-6543.