Inside the U.S. Census Bureau Part 6: Races, Averages, and Statistics

About the United States Census Bureau, what is the average u.s. family profile for the different races, some other statistics and averages.

Inside the Census Bureau: 1, 2, 3, 4 . . . and Counting . . .

How do I fit in? The "average" U.S. family profile, from the 1970 census:

White

Husband 44, wife 41

Schooling: high school graduate+0.2 years of college

2.35 children

Owned home of 5.3 rooms, worth about $17,000, in suburbs

Husband held various occupations

Income: $9,867

Black

Husband 41, wife almost 39

Schooling: through the 11th grade

3 children, eldest almost 17

Occupied rental in center of large city

Husband a mechanic, truck driver, or waiter

Income: $6,280

Blacks owned 163,073 businesses, mostly of the Ma-and-Pa variety. Average income: $7,000, a very poor return when the total hours of business were considered. Comparison of incomes showed that 85% came from salaries for both white and black. Whites, however, derived the remainder from dividends and interest primarily, while blacks obtained theirs from some form of public assistance. In 1971, over 5 million black families were on welfare.

The extremes

Poorest U.S. County: Tunica, Miss.

Income per capita: $1,145

Richest U.S. County: Fairfield, Conn.

Income per capita: $4,676

Transportation Note: In 1970, 59,722,550 out of 76,852,389 workers reported that they used the car to drive to work. Only 9 million shared a ride. On weekdays, there are over 50 million cars being driven with one person--the driver--in them. . . .

Has the Vanishin Indian vanished? The Bureau figures on the American Indian show a total of 763,594 in 1970. Over 340,000 now live in a metropolitan area, and 60 major cities have at least 1,000 each. The Indian's life expectancy has risen to 46, which is still 23 years below the national average. Their suicide rate is twice the average. Nearly 1/3 now marry non-Indian mates, the greatest ethnic line crossing of all minorities. But in procreation, the Indian is in 1st place--and in no danger of vanishing.

Who sees the Census files? By Federal law, the personal information collected by the Bureau cannot be divulged to any individual or organization. But, as a part of an anonymous group characteristic, your personal habits, traits, or life-style work their way into the public domain.

There is one exception to this rule. The Personal Census Branch will give you--and you only--what information it may have, from previous censuses, on when and where you were born if you are in need of some type of birth certificate. The facility at Pittsburg, Kans., will furnish a suitable document ($5 charge) giving this information.

--W.K.

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