The microdata is a sub-set of the ACS sample. As a subset, one would expect that it would not produce the same results as shown in the summary tables. However, I would at least expect it to not vary significantly and to be within the margins of error of the summary table. However, that is not what I am finding when I use the data.census.gov microdata tool. Is this an issue with the microdata tool since it is beta or something else causing the large discrepancies? For example, I was comparing the 2022 ACS 1-Year class of worker data for Virginia using summary table S2408 and a microdata query of the same data, and it shows significantly different numbers for each class of worker as you will see if you enter the following URL's.
S2408 Table: https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2022.S2408?q=class%20of%20worker%20Virginia
Microdata: https://data.census.gov/mdat/#/search?ds=ACSPUMS1Y2022&rv=COW&nv=ucgid&wt=PWGTP&g=0400000US51
Dear Jill,
You need to use PUMS variables ESR and COW in combination as follows:
Note the universe for S2408 is the Employed Civilian population 16 years old and over
# ESR: Employment status recode# b [0].N/A (less than 16 years old)# 1 .Civilian employed, at work# 2 .Civilian employed, with a job but not at work# 3 .Unemployed# 4 .Armed forces, at work# 5 .Armed forces, with a job but not at work# 6 .Not in labor force
# for S2408 Employed ESR== 1 or 2
# COW Character 1# Class of worker# b [0].Not in universe (less than 16 years old/NILF who last worked# .more than 5 years ago or never worked)# 1 .Employee of a private for-profit company or business, or of an# .individual, for wages, salary, or commissions# 2 .Employee of a private not-for-profit, tax-exempt, or# .charitable organization# 3 .Local government employee (city, county, etc.)# 4 .State government employee# 5 .Federal government employee# 6 .Self-employed in own not incorporated business, professional# .practice, or farm# 7 .Self-employed in own incorporated business, professional# .practice or farm# 8 .Working without pay in family business or farm# 9 .Unemployed
For S2408# COW == 2"Civilian employed population 16 years and over : Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers"# COW == 5"Civilian employed population 16 years and over : Federal government workers";# COW == 3"Civilian employed population 16 years and over : Local government workers";# COW == 1 or 7"Civilian employed population 16 years and over : Private for-profit wage and salary workers"
# state=51 (Virginia)
# 2022 1 year PUMS and subject tables## Deviation (MoE)# S2408# Local government workers 347176 (9635) PUMS=351504 (-347175)=4329# Federal government workers 354980 (9837) PUMS=358209 (-354980)=3229# Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 359054 (10818) PUMS=359002 (-359054) = -52# Private For-profit wage and salary workers 2839546 (22977) PUMS=2840360 -2839546=814
You can review the other categories (e.g. state workers and family workers/self employed not incorporated
The difference between the PUMS estimate and S2408 value/estimate falls within the S2408 MoE
Best
Dave Dorer
Dave,
I am new to using the PUMS data. This is immensely helpful! The ESR is what I was unfamiliar with, but now I got it working and can move forward with additional analysis. I will be sure to keep an eye on the table universe going forward.
Thank You!
Jill Kaneff
I'm curious about what stat software you use. Also I don't have details on your project and the entity supporting your analysis. But I have a foundation that does pro bono consulting for 501(c) (3) and government entities. (dorerfoundation.org). Dave Dorer
I just "googled" you and it appears that you work for
NVRC which is a Commonwealth of Virginia entity and would be eligible to receive services from DCSF. I did some work using ACS data with Erik Beecroft at the Virginia JLARC.
Best Dave