Data Limitations

Data Limitations

In general, secondary data utilizes the most current data sets available at the time.2 The dramatic changes in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted some of the traditional projection tools, source data and data collection methods. For example, the American Community Survey (ACS), which provides detailed population and housing information revised its messaging, altered their mailout strategy and made sampling adjustments to accommodate the National Processing Center’s staffing limitations.3 Where relevant, the impacts or new data due to the COVID-19 pandemic are noted.

Additionally, in-person interviews were limited to telephone and virtual formats. Although some interviews were conducted face-to-face, the decision to conduct most interviews via telephone or virtually may have impacted some of the traditional in-person dynamics.

Photo courtesy of Seminole County Government

2Please note that the five-year American Community Survey data was released March 17, 2022 – too late for inclusion in this analysis. Spot checks did not indicate results in wide variation with the October 2021 data. 3U.S. Census Bureau.