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Population Characteristics

group of various people
Analysis of public health data by population characteristics is essential to the reduction and elimination of health disparities.
Demographic and geographic characteristics are commonly used in public health statistics and include:
  • Age
  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Sex
  • Geographic area of residence
Social and economic characteristics sometimes used include:
  • Disability status
  • Educational attainment level
  • Employment status
  • Income level
  • Language spoken
  • Marital status
  • Nativity (native- or foreign-born)
  • Veteran status
Many population characteristics are also social determinants of health (SDOH).

Why It's Important

Analysis of public health data by population characteristics is essential to the reduction and elimination of health disparities, which are defined as significant differences in "the overall rate of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, or survival rates in the population as compared to the health status of the general population."1 This definition can be applied to any demographic, social, or economic group, not just racial/ethnic minorities. Analysis by population characteristics also shows at what age certain diseases and conditions typically affect persons as well as how life events, choices, and circumstances (e.g., marriage, military service, and educational attainment) affect health outcomes.

1. Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act of 2000. PL 106-525. 11/22/2000.

Calculation of Rates

In order to compare the health status of groups of different size or age distribution or to compare health status over time, rates must be used, rather than simple counts.

When calculating rates by age, sex, race, and/or Hispanic origin, denominators from the US Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program (PEP) should be used. PEP produces official population estimates for the U.S., states, counties, and municipalities and is the official source for annual population totals between decennial censuses. The most recent vintage year of estimates is available on the Census Bureau's website at Population and Housing Unit Estimates Tables.

If sub-county (i.e., municipality) population estimates are needed by age, sex, race, and/or Hispanic origin, one must use estimates from the American Community Survey, accessible at data.census.gov.

Decennial Census data should never be used for rate calculation. Use the July 1st PEP estimate for the census year instead.

What Is Known

Certain demographic groups have consistently better outcomes than others on a variety of public health issues. For example, infant mortality among whites is about one-third of that among blacks and the death rate due to unintentional injury among women is less than half that of men.

How It's Tracked

The U.S. Census Bureau is the nation's main source of demographic data. Population estimates and other Census data for New Jersey are also readily available from the NJ Department of Labor.

Demographic characteristics are tracked in most public health data sets including, but not limited to:

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey Department of Health

U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services