We obtain demographic estimates of the resident population from the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program. These estimates are published for the nation, states, and counties by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin. The reference date for the estimates is July 1 of the specified year.

We adjust the total resident population estimates to create population estimates with a universe similar to the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) of the Current Population Survey (CPS). The CPS ASEC universe includes the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States and members of the armed forces in the United States living off post or with their families on post. It excludes all other members of the armed forces and treats college students as residing in their parental homes. To adjust estimates of total resident population to the CPS ASEC universe, we subtract the appropriate types of group quarters from the estimates of the total resident population.

We then further adjust the CPS ASEC universe population estimates to create poverty universe estimates by subtracting out unrelated children under age 15. The poverty universe is made up of persons for whom the Census Bureau can determine poverty status (either "in poverty" or "not in poverty"). For some persons, such as unrelated individuals under age 15, poverty status is not defined. Since Census Bureau surveys typically ask income questions to persons age 15 or older, if a child under age 15 is not related by birth, marriage, or adoption to a reference person within the household, we do not know the child's income and therefore cannot determine his or her poverty status.

* This page describes information about the population estimates used for 2007 SAHIE and prior based on the Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey data.  For information about the population estimates used for 2008 SAHIE an onward based on American Community Survey data, please link to Population Estimates for 2008 SAHIE and onward.