How are the SAIPE programs state and county estimates constructed?
We use statistical models to create the estimates. The models relate state and county estimates of income and poverty from the American Community Survey (ACS) to other indicators of income and poverty. These indicators are based on summary data from federal income tax returns, SNAP benefits data (formerly known as Food Stamp Program data), the most recent decennial census, intercensal population estimates, Supplemental Security Income recipiency, and economic data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). These estimates are then combined with direct estimates from the ACS sample to provide figures which are more precise than either set alone. This is a standard method for making statistical estimates for small areas. We refer to the final combined estimates as “model-based.” More information is available at Methodology. Return to top. • How are the SAIPE program’s school district estimates constructed? The SAIPE county-level estimates of poverty are allocated to the school districts
