The 2016 PDB is a database of U.S. housing, demographic, socioeconomic and operational statistics based on select 2010 Decennial Census and select 2010-2014 5-year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates. Data are provided at both the census block group and tract levels of geography. These data can be used for many purposes, including survey field operations planning. New to the 2016 PDB is the number of individuals with one or more disability.

The Low Response Score (LRS) is also provided on the PDB. The LRS is a model-based prediction of mail return rates by block group and tract that may be used separately or in conjunction with other PDB variables.  See a discussion of the LRS [PDF 2.0 MB].

Potential uses include:

• Identifying geographic areas for special outreach and promotional efforts
• Examining expected completion rates at low levels of geography
• Linking with spatial map data to create thematic maps
• Generating reports, cross tabulations, and simple analyses
• Planning recruitment activities for interviewer-administered surveys and censuses

If you have any questions please contact us at Census.PDB.questions@census.gov