Lab 7 - US Census

This Choropleth map shows the concentration of Blacks by county in the United States in 2000. (Source: Census 2000) The map shows that the population of Blacks are mostly concentrated in the South-East sector of Continental United States; notably in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, where Blacks accounts for more than half of the population in some counties. This demographic trend is most likely the direct result of slavery in the past. It seems most of African Americans in United States still resides at where their ancestors settled.

 

This Choropleth map shows the concentration of Asians by county in the United States in 2000. (Source: Census 2000) The map shows that the population of Asians are mostly concentrated in the West Coast of Continental United States and Hawaii in the Pacific. This is most notable in California and Hawaii, where Asians accounts for more than 20 percent of the population in some counties. This demographic trend is most likely the proximity of this territories to the Pacific Ocean and therefore, Asia. However, Asians are more evenly spread out throughout United States as compared to Blacks and Some Other Races. This might be due to the nature of Asians who likes to move around in search of better opportunities.

This Choropleth map shows the concentration of Some Other Races (95 percent being Hispanic or Latino) by county in the United States in 2000. (Source: Census 2000) The map shows that the population of Some Other Races are most concentrated in the West Coast and South West; notably in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas where Some Other Race accounts for more than 9 percent of the population in most counties and exceeding 22 percent of the population in some counties. This demographic trend is most likely the result of the proximity of this area to Central and South America.

My experience with creating Choropleth maps based on US census data is really a rewarding one as it requires me to use all my previous lab experiences to create a useful map that clearly shows the demographics of different races in United States. As I’m a international student and unaware of the demographics of United States, and it came as a surprise to me that United States is not as homogeneous as I previously envisioned. In all three maps, the Midwest have the smallest concentration of minority races. The coastal regions seems to have more diverse populations compared to inland areas. The distribution also tells me that the descendants of early immigrants whom are minorities tend to stay near the location where their ascendants settled. 

My experience with GIS was highly informative and hands on. GIS is a vital tool for policymakers (most whom have a humanistic rather than scientific background) to rely on to analyse raw data. They can make better and more informed decisions with such spatial analysis tools. I’m very certain that this knowledge acquired will come in handy in my career when I return to Singapore to work in the government. It is definitely an rewarding experience to be able to gain such exposure.