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Numeric Data
Idaho has experienced one of
the fastest rates of growth in the country in the last decade. An important factor in the
academic research and economic development for the state is the availability of relevant,
reliable and up-to-date statistical data for the state. This numeric data site hopes to
provide demographic, economic, environmental and social data over time, consistent with
the time series available in the paper editions of the Idaho Statistical Abstract
published in previous years.
One of the problems faced in compiling statistical data is the selection of both subject
matter and individual tables. Without a policy for inclusion and cut-off, the task would
become monumental in scope and size. The content chapters selected for this site include
essentially the same subject matter covered by the Statistical Abstract of the United
States. For most of the chapters, county is chosen as the geographic unit level.
Comparisons of Idaho's neighboring states in the Northwest Region are included in all
chapters. The cut-off date for inclusion of current data is 1990. Significant historical
data, for the purpose of comparison, is included in certain tables. The data in Chapters
4, 6 and 18 have not been updated due to the lack of current published sources. Efforts
will be taken to update these chapters as the project progresses. Chapters 3, 7 and 19 are
yet to be compiled.
The contents of the chapters included here are selected from many sources. Data from the
major censuses, such as the Economic Censuses and the Decennial Population Censuses and
the surveys conducted by the U. S. Bureau of Census, are consulted. Data collected
and published by Idaho state agencies and private entities are also used for compiling the
data. Since the chapters and individual tables within each subject chapter will be used as
a guide to other statistical sources, care was taken to cite sources accurately at the end
of each table or group of tables. Anyone interested in additional statistical detail or
more extensive information may consult these sources or contact one of the depository
libraries in the state for the original sources.
Every effort was made to obtain and publish the most up-to-date information possible. One
of the perennial problems for both statisticians and publishers of numeric data is the
considerable time lag between the initial gathering and compilation of data and the
availability of data for public access. There is also the problem of having consistent
data published over time. With the web publishing capabilities and the electronic
dissemination of government-collected data, the task of gathering and compiling data is
now much more efficient. Last minute additions and revisions can be accomplished more
readily. This numeric data site is always going to be a project in progress. New subject
matter will be added as Idaho's economy changes directions. |
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