FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Auburn Montgomery’s Center for Demographic Research’s New Population Data Sheet Shows that Nearly Half of the Counties Reached Below-Replacement Fertility
Montgomery, Alabama -- Auburn Montgomery’s Center for Demographic Research has released the 2009 Alabama Population Data Sheet, offering detailed information about each of the sixty-seven counties in comparison to the state and the nation. This document outlines statistical data as well as socio-demographic trends as they relate to population change.
As outlined in this datasheet, the current total fertility rate, which measures the average number of children per woman, is 2.1. This figure represents the threshold level, the magic number that allows parents to replace themselves.
Thirty-four counties have sustainable fertility (2.1 or higher) with the highest level found in Bullock County (3.0 children per woman). Thirty-three counties have already reached below-replacement fertility. The most alarming rates are from Macon, Lee and Russell counties (1.4 child per woman).
“Unless they gain additional populations through in-migration, counties that have hit below-replacement fertility will experience demographic bust that can affect their socio-economic development in the next decades,” said Yanyi Djamba, the Center for Demographic Research’s director.
As a result of the declining fertility and lower in-migration, several counties have lost population in the last 10 years. Sumter and Choctaw counties have lost each 13 percent of their populations between 1998 and 2008. These are also counties with below-replacement fertility. In contrast, Shelby County was the biggest population gainer with 38.1 percent growth in the last 10 years.
The 2009 Alabama Population Data Sheet provides up-to-date demographic data for all the counties. It shows just how sharp the contrasts are between rich and poor counties, and how each county compares to the state and the nation.
This 2009 data sheet also features new variables such as international, domestic, and overall migration, unemployment rates in 2008 and 2009, as well as the percentage of Hispanic population in each county. Such information is useful for policy-makers, business people, researchers and all those who are interested in the demographic changes in Alabama.
“The datasheets that we publish are valuable resources for educational research as well as organizations who serve various segments of the population throughout Alabama and the Southeast. Such information is presented on one poster-sized sheet that is often displayed on the wall which allows for these data to be practical and accessible,” said Dr. Yanyi Djamba, director of the Center for Demographic Research.
For more than 30 years, the Center for Demographic Research has provided high quality, independent research on a wide variety of population topics. We provide demographic information and guidance on interpretation of complex demographic issues to Alabama’s citizens, businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies.
For more information about the 2009 Alabama Population Data Sheet or to learn about other Alabama data sheets as well as additional documents published by the Center for Demographic Research at Auburn Montgomery, visit http://www.demographics.aum.edu.
# # #
Tami Wallace
Director of Marketing
Auburn Montgomery Outreach
334-244-3956
News Link: CDR director explains Alabama’s population change
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Auburn Montgomery’s Center for Demographic Research’s New HIV/AIDS and STDs Data Sheet Shows High Rates of Infection in Many Areas for Alabamians
Auburn Montgomery’s Center for Demographic Research introduces the first publication of a datasheet focused on Alabama’s population coping with HIV/AIDS and STDs. This document outlines statistical data as well as socio-demographic trends as they relate to these diseases. According to the research presented within the datasheet, Alabama shows a higher rate of new infections than in other areas of country.
As outlined in this datasheet, more than 15,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Alabama, according to the 2009 Alabama HIV/AIDS and STDs Data Sheet.
In terms of prevalence, 334 per 100,000 Alabamians were living with HIV/AIDS in 2007, a number which is below the national figure of 398 per 100,000. However, many counties were hardly hit by this pandemic. Montgomery County was on the top of the list with an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 807 per 100,000, followed by other predominantly urban counties such as Jefferson (672 per 100,000) and Mobile (624 per 100,000). Lawrence County has the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate (53 per 100,000).
The most alarming sign is that the incidence of HIV/AIDS, or proportion of new infection, is slightly higher in Alabama than the United States as a whole. This means that Alabama residents are at higher risk of HIV/AIDS.
These high rates of HIV/AIDS are partly due to the high rates of sexually transmitted diseases. According to the new Alabama HIV/AIDS and STDs Data Sheet, 22,217 new cases of Chlamydia were reported in Alabama in 2006, representing an incidence rate of 484 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 345 per 100,000. Gonorrhea and syphilis incidence rates are nearly twice the corresponding national figures.
Although Alabama is relatively less infected by HIV/AIDS than some of its neighboring states, there are many areas in this state where the pandemic has reached astonishing proportions. Current data are based on reported cases of individuals who were diagnosed; therefore, actual rates of infection in the general population can be much higher. The new data sheet also gives county statistics on marriage and divorce, including comparative data for the whole state of Alabama and the United States. “The datasheets that we publish are valuable resources for educational research as well as organizations throughout Alabama and the Southeast who serve this segment of the population. Such information is presented on one poster-sized sheet that is often displayed on the wall which allows for this data to be practical and accessible,” said Dr. Yanyi Djamba, director of the Center for Demographic Research.
Until a cure is found, education and prevention should be the key factors in combating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). More aggressive HIV and STIs awareness campaigns are needed, especially in highly infected areas, if we are want ensure a better health for all Alabamians.
AIDS Alabama, an organization which devotes its energy and resources statewide to help people with HIV/AIDS live healthy, independent lives and works to prevent the spread of HIV has participated as a sponsor of this publication. AIDS Alabama and the AIDS Service Organization Network of Alabama (ASONA) will host a reception in Montgomery, Alabama on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at the RSA Plaza Terrace (770 Washington Ave) to highlight necessary funding to continue HIV care and prevention in Alabama. The Center for Demographic Research at Auburn Montgomery will be on-hand to provide informative resources through the distribution of this datasheet. Media representatives are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Guest speakers will include Representatives Earl Hilliard, Jr. and Laura Hall, as well as AIDS Alabama’s CEO, Kathie Hiers.
For more than 30 years, the Center for Demographic Research has provided high quality, independent research on a wide variety of population topics. We provide demographic information and guidance on interpretation of complex demographic issues to Alabama’s citizens, businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies.
For more information about the 2009 Alabama Health Data Sheet or to learn about other Alabama data sheets as well as additional documents published by the Center for Demographic Research at Auburn Montgomery, visit http://www.demographics.aum.edu.
# # #
Tami Wallace
Director of Marketing
Auburn Montgomery Outreach
334-244-3956