State of Illinois Census & Data Collaboration
Problem
The State of Illinois wanted to ensure its population counts and estimates were accurate.
Accuracy of population counts and estimates is imperative, as cities and states rely on census data at every level of planning and policymaking, including the equitable allocation of federal funding. During the 2020 Census, the State of Illinois experienced significant challenges to its census counts, including the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest related to protests. Given these events, the State wanted to ensure its population counts were as accurate as possible.
The U.S. Census Bureau runs several programs allowing states, counties, and cities to submit data showing their populations may have been counted incorrectly or missed. The annual Post-Census Group Quarters Review (or PCGQR) corrects for inaccuracies in the decennial census.
Seeking a local organization with expertise with administrative records and a stake in the Illinois communities it services, the State engaged NORC to submit recounts to the PCGQR.
Solution
NORC’s methodological expertise helped the State of Illinois ensure an accurate population count.
In preparation for the State of Illinois's response to the PCGQR, NORC acquired, cleaned, harmonized, and geocoded information about facilities in Illinois that met Census Bureau definitions of group quarters (such as nursing homes, dorms, and residential treatment centers). Methodological experts identified gaps between this information and the 2020 decennial census records, while a vetting team verified all facilities that had potentially been undercounted.
Result
NORC identified over 46,000 people missing from State population estimates, providing more accurate data to advance the State’s equity efforts.
NORC identified 733 group quarters facilities that may have been missed during the 2020 decennial census, representing over 46,000 Illinois residents. The Census Bureau accepted this challenge in 2024 and will incorporate it into future State population estimates through the end of the decade. These estimates determine the annual distribution of over $675 billion in state and federal programs.
NORC’s demographic, statistical, and data science experts are providing ongoing technical consultation to the State as it prepares for the 2030 Census.
Related Tags
Project Leads
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Lisa Blumerman
Senior Vice President & Department HeadPrincipal Investigator -
Martha Stapleton
Vice PresidentSenior Staff -
Shannon Nelson
Senior Research DirectorSenior Staff -
Ned English
Associate DirectorSenior Staff
“As a longstanding Chicago-based organization, NORC is pleased to provide cutting edge methodological expertise in support of the State of Illinois’s efforts to ensure an accurate population count.”
