The 2010 Demographic Analysis operation produced national-level estimates of the population on April 1, 2010 by age, sex, and limited race detail. These estimates were then compared to the 2010 Census counts. The comparisons and analysis results will be presented in a separate report.

The assessment of the 2010 Demographic Analysis operation focuses on the overall schedule, staffing, and outreach. The assessment data come from the schedule, the risk register, and oral and written debriefings of team members, team leaders, and the Population Division management.

Schedule goals were met. The operation released two sets of estimates. One set pertained to the Black/Non-Black population. The second set pertained to the Hispanic population. Each set had a series of five estimates. The estimates were released on December 6, 2010 before the 2010 Census results were released. The release of Hispanic estimates for the population age 19 and under was a first. National media and the press took part in the release.

The staffing structure worked. A team structure was adopted for the production of the estimates. This was paramount to meeting the schedule needs. The structure also allowed for training of new staff by pairing up members with varying educational backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets.

The goal was to be transparent in all aspects of the operation. This goal was achieved. The estimates were produced with inputs from internal and external experts. All aspects of the operation were documented in methodological statements, working papers, posters, and conference presentations.

A workshop was held to share strengths and weaknesses of the methodology with recognized experts in the field. This communication effort worked well. The operation structure and the schedule allowed for the input to enhance the methodology and improve the quality of the estimates.

The recommendation is to utilize a similar approach in 2020. It is recommended that the schedule be extended to allow for more in depth research activities and to include the evaluation of the census results.