Where Obtain Demographic Info. on Families?

[jenhundley1]

I am doing some preliminary research for a kid focused business and I am wondering where I might be able to locate statistical data on demographics for Sonoma County? Specifically number of families with children ages 0-10 yrs. living in a household. Thanks for your help!

[Sara]

I got this from Wikipedia:

Demographics

At the 2000 census[19], there were 458,614 people, 172,403 households, and 112,406 families in Sonoma County. The population density was 291/sq mi (112/kmē). There were 183,153 housing units at an average density of 116/sq mi (45/kmē).

The racial makeup was 81.60% White, 1.42% Black or African American, 1.18% Native American, 3.07% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 8.44% of other races, and 4.09% of two or more races. 17.34% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 12.1% were of German, 10.6% Irish, 9.8% English and 8.9% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000. 80.4% spoke English and 13.8% Spanish as their first language.

Of the 172,403 households, 50.30% were married couples living together, 34.80% were non-families, and 10.40% had a female householder with no husband present. 31.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.70% were individuals, and 10.00% were 65 years of age or older living alone. The average household size was 2.60, and the average family size was 3.12.

The median age was 38 years. 24.50% were under 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 97 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94 males.

The median household income was $53,076, and the median family income was $61,921. Males had a median income of $42,035, females $32,022. The per capita income for the county was $25,724. About 4.70% of families and 8.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.40% of those under age 18 and 5.70% of those age 65 or over.

[stephaniemsw]

The US Census website has a lot of great and accessible information.

[Christyn95]

Jen, are you part of the PMC? My friend Angie is doing research/surveys etc for a kid based business she wants to start. :)

[jenhundley1]

Thank you for your replies. I feel a little bit like a lame-o! Of course the consensus bureau. Why didn't I think of that??!! :) I got some great info. from there. Thank you for the Wikipedia as well.

Christy - Yes, I saw Angie's post on the PMC for her restaurant. She should put her survey on Sonomacountymom.com as well for more feedback. I filled it out myself. I like her kid restaurant idea. I also saw another post/survey for a new stroller strides in Petaluma. This mom has already moved forward w/ buying her franchise. Yeah! I happen to know her, so I sent her an email. I don't know Angie, but I'll get in touch w/ her to see if she can give me some pointers. I think my idea is great and believe there is a need for this service in our community - reality is, I need to do some serious research to determine if there truly is a need. Thank you again!

[Christyn95]

Thank you for your replies. I feel a little bit like a lame-o! Of course the consensus bureau. Why didn't I think of that??!! :) I got some great info. from there. Thank you for the Wikipedia as well.

Christy - Yes, I saw Angie's post on the PMC for her restaurant. She should put her survey on Sonomacountymom.com as well for more feedback. I filled it out myself. I like her kid restaurant idea. I also saw another post/survey for a new stroller strides in Petaluma. This mom has already moved forward w/ buying her franchise. Yeah! I happen to know her, so I sent her an email. I don't know Angie, but I'll get in touch w/ her to see if she can give me some pointers. I think my idea is great and believe there is a need for this service in our community - reality is, I need to do some serious research to determine if there truly is a need. Thank you again!

Angie is a cool gal, you should get to know her and her lil boy Lucas!! :) She and I have been friends for about 10-11yrs now, though I don't get to see her much due to work and life and all that lovely stuff. :giggle

If you want, I can ask her about having us post her survey on SCM, as I don't think she's a member. I know she posted it on FaceBook yesterday, so it probably wouldn't be an issue. I think her restaurant idea is great and getting feedback from all the wonderful SCM gals would be a great tool (like you suggested)! I hope she can make it work!! :)

Take care.

[juliansmom]

each Chamber of Commerce for the cities within Sonoma County publish stats about that city. And here is a link to economic/demographic info for sonoma county but not sure if you can link to pdf from here, try to see if the pdf link works:

http://www.sonoma-county.org/edb/pdf/2007/2007_sonoma_profile.pdf

or click on Sonoma County Economic Profile link to access a pdf file

http://www.santarosachamber.com/index.php?submenu=move_economic&src=gendocs&ref=EconomicProfile&category=santa_live

[lornabrown]

Jen - I dove into opening my own business when my daughter was 5 months old. I'd be happy to share my experiences with you, especially about demographics of the area. There is so much more than what shows on paper.