From Best Workplaces for Commuters:
About one week ago, the U.S. Census Bureau released 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. We (Best Workplaces for Commuters) have compiled their information to provide mode split information at the county level. The report also compares the 2013-2017 mode split data to the previous 5-year period (2009-2012). You can download it for free from this link:
This document contains a series of tables, including estimates of total workers, and columns showing which mode estimates were statistically different in 2013-2017 when compared to 2008-2012 estimates.
Over 2,800 counties are grouped by state and listed alphabetically.
In case you missed it, in September we reformatted the comparative economic characteristics data for 2017 ACS 1-year estimate to show the mode splits for over 300 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The MSA document contains a series of tables, including estimates of total workers, and columns showing statistical significance by comparing 2017 data year to each of the previous four years. You can download the MSA report for free at this link:
The 5-year ACS estimates are more reliable than 1-year ACS estimates but less current. U.S. Census recommends using the 5-Year data when precision is more important than currency and for analyzing small populations (e.g., rural counties).
We think these documents can help you in several ways. First, you can use the data to track trends in mode split changes over time for your county or MSA to facilitate long-range planning. The reports also are a source of benchmarking data relative to other communities within your state or peers outside of your state The reports could also provide data for your TDM marketing and public relations efforts (e.g., provide data for newsletters, press releases and other earned media opportunities).
For more information contact Phil Winters – winters@cutr.usf.edu
