About the Sources
What is the CDC PLACES Dataset?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) generates model-based estimates using data from the Behavioral Health Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Decennial Census population counts, annual county population estimates, and American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates to create estimates for a comprehensive list of measures from the BRFSS survey.
PLACES uses statistical modeling to generate estimates. These are not direct survey responses. See Methodology link below for more detailed information.
Through this approach, PLACES is able to provide consistent estimates across County, ZIP code, and Census Tract geographies.
Age-adjusted estimates are available only at the county level. Crude estimates are used for Census Tract and ZIP Code data because some smaller areas lack population data in all age groups needed for age-adjustment.
More about PLACES:
PLACES Website
Methodology
Measure Definitions
What is the American Community Survey (ACS)
The ACS is an ongoing survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that provides detailed data about the social, economic, housing, and demographic characteristics of the U.S. Population.
ACS Data are used to inform policy decisions, guide resource allocation, and determine how trillions of dollars in federal funding are distributed each year.
The dashboard uses 5-year estimates which combine data collected over five years to provide more reliable results for small geographic areas.
More about ACS:
ACS Website
Population Estimates
County level population estimates are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau through CDC Wonder (estimates earlier than 2020) and directly from the U.S. Census Bureau (2020 -2023).
More about Population Estimates:
U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program
About the Map Views
The maps use quintile groupings (percentile-based breakpoints) to shade ZIP codes and census tracts. For each measure on a map, percentages have been ranked from lowest to highest, then divided into five equal groups (quintiles). Each quintile is assigned a shading, with lighter shades showing lower values and darker shades showing higher values.
Because the quintiles are calculated dynamically for each map and measure, the shading does not correspond to the same underlying rates or values across maps. For example, “darkest” on one map may represent values above 40% in that selection, while on another map it may represent values above 25%. Refer to the Tooltip and/or map legend for actual rates or ranges of rates.
The one exception is for the poverty rate maps. Poverty quintiles are based on regional data and are therefore the same across each county.
Definitions
Age-adjusted Prevalence (PLACES): Age-adjusted prevalence means an adjustment has been made to the rate, which involves using the 2000 U.S. population (standard population) to remove the effects of different age distributions on the rate. This makes it possible to compare areas fairly, since differences reflect variations that are not driven by simply having more younger or older residents.
Percent/Rate (ACS): For most measures, the percent/rate is calculated using the county, ZIP, or tract population as the denominator. For some, the denominator is a more narrow population. For example, the denominator for unemployment rate is the population of people in the labor force. The denominator can be found in the Tooltip.
ACS Disability Definitions:
- Hearing difficulty – Deaf or having serious difficulty hearing (DEAR).
- Vision difficulty – Blind or having serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses (DEYE).
- Cognitive difficulty – Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, having difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions (DREM)
- NOTE: Cognitive difficulties reported could be attributed to any of the following: intellectual disability, developmental disability, mental health condition.
- Not reported by ACS for individuals under 5 years of age.
- Ambulatory difficulty – Having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs (DPHY).
- Self-care difficulty – Having difficulty bathing or dressing (DDRS).
- Not reported by ACS for individuals under 5 years of age.
- Independent living difficulty – Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, having difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping (DOUT).
- Not reported by ACS for individuals under 18 years of age or under 5 years of age.
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