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Geographic Information System Maps

A geographic information system (GIS) is an information system for capturing, storing, analyzing, managing and presenting data which are spatially referenced by being linked to a location. The primary source of data that the United Way of Pierce County uses to develop the maps on this site comes from the 2000 Census Summary Files (SF1 and SF3), and is displayed at the “Block Group” level. In Pierce County, the average population of a block group is 1348 people or 502 households.
Some of the thematic maps have more than one theme, e.g. educational attainment and households receiving public assistance. When these maps are opened using Adobe® Reader® 8, the sidebar “Layers” tab offers the opportunity to select and deselect layers. This function will offer a better view of geographic data when more than one variable has been mapped.
Special thanks to the Pierce County GIS Department for the use of their software system and underlying geographical data to create these thematic maps.

Map Name	Description
Percent Female Head of Households with Children Present and Household Median Income by Block Group	There are two map layers. One showing the household median income of the block group, and the other showing single female head of households with children present as a percentage of the total population in the block group. There is a positive spatial correlation between incomes at or below 200% poverty and single females with children present.
Percent Households Below Poverty Level by Block Group	This map shows the household median income by block group, with income breaks at 100% and 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Percent Households Experiencing Housing Distress by Block Group	This map shows the percentage of households paying more than 35% of the gross household income on rent and housing costs.
Median Age by Block Group	This map displays the median age of the population within the block group.
Percent Non-White Population by Block Group	This map shows the percentage of non-white by block group.
Percent of Households Receiving Public Assistance by Block Group	This map shows the percentage of the population in the block group receiving public assistance such as SSI, TANF, or food stamps.
Percent Households Receiving Public Assistance and Percent of Females Over the Age of 25 Without a High School Diploma/Equivalency by Block Group	This map shows the percentage of the population in the block group receiving public assistance with another layer showing the percentage of females over the age of 25 years in the block group without a high school equivalency. There is a positive spatial correlation between public assistance and educational attainment.
Percent Households Receiving Public Assistance and Percent of Males Over the Age of 25 Without a High School Diploma/Equivalency by Block Group	This map shows the percentage of the population in the block group receiving public assistance with another layer showing the percentage of males over the age of 25 years in the block group without a high school equivalency. There is a positive spatial correlation between public assistance and educational attainment.
Percent of Households That Are Owner Occupied by Block Group	This shows the percentage of households in the block group that are owner occupied.
2-1-1 Calls by Zip Code	This shows the distribution of calls to 2-1-1 by zip code.