When we conducted an online survey for the upcoming sequel to The Nashua Experience, over 30% of respondents selected population changes as the biggest change in Nashua in the past 30 years. You may wonder, then, just how many people live in Nashua and where they come from. Every ten years, the US Census Bureau conducts a census, gathering information about people across the United States. In addition to viewing the detailed results of the 2000 Census on the website, you can also take a look at the QuickFacts page, which provides frequently requested information at the national, state, county, and city levels. Examples include percentage of people under 5 and 18 years old or over 65, as well as race and household information. The American FactFinder offers information from an ongoing community survey, so you can see 2006 statistics. This provides more recent information; however, the figures are estimates. Because Nashua's population is greater than 65,000, the city is included in the survey of demographic, social, and economic characteristics of people, households and housing units. You can select the type of information you want to see and create tables and maps with demographic information.

Another fun site for population information is Social Explorer. Some of the information on this site is only available through a subscription, but you can access the 2000 Census report and census maps back to 1940 for free. Social Explorer reports give you information at the national, state, county, or census tract level. This can be a little tricky if you are looking for information about a particular city. You have to figure out which tracts are part of the city and include all in your query. To find Nashua's census tracts (101 -115), I had to look at the site's map. (It helps to be geographically inclined and know the boundaries of your city.) While this is somewhat of an inconvenience, it is cool to get very specific information about your neighborhood by narrowing your selection to the census tract of your choice. As with the American FactFinder, you can choose your demographic categories.

So, if you want to learn more about Nashua's demographics, take a look at one of these sites. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the fall when the thirtieth anniversary update to The Nashua Experience is available.