They used gender, age, race, home ownership, and income as demographic indicators, and later also looked at poverty level, crime, and fire safety. Their data sources were U.S. Census Bureau data: the 2010 decennial census and the 2016 American Community Survey estimates, accessed through the American FactFinder Web site.

The team began by assessing demographic indicators available from the U.S. Census Bureau: gender, age, race, home ownership, and income. They constructed a population pyramid based on age using the 2016 American Community Survey estimates and the 2010 census data, and compared it with the population of the United States. Later, they reviewed additional Census Bureau data covering poverty level, crime, and fire safety. The data were collected every 10 years through the decennial census, and the Census Bureau also conducts the American Community Survey to provide 5-year estimates. The team accessed these data through the American FactFinder section of the U.S. Census Bureau Web site, using a fact sheet that included general, social, economic, and housing characteristics.

Key points

Demographic indicators used included gender, age, race, home ownership, and income.
The team later expanded the review to include poverty level, crime, and fire safety.
Primary data sources were the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 decennial census and the 2016 American Community Survey.
Census data were accessed through the American FactFinder Web site.
The data were used to compare Small Town with the United States, the state, and neighboring towns.

What demographic indicators did the team use to assess Small Town's population, and what data sources did they rely on?

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