DC Gender Map Part I

Dating in DC is notoriously difficult; and (depending on who you ask), it’s especially difficult for straight (cishet) women. According to Census Bureau data gathered in the American Community Survey (ACS) the city’s demographics make a strong argument for this case. The overall male-to-female gender ratio (number of males divided by number of females) is 90 males per 100 females. The national average, as reported by the Census, is around 98.1. The Census does not report on non-binary or trans identities in its data.

The decennial census is mandated by the Constitution, but James Madison had a vision for taking the census beyond the mandate of “bare enumeration of the inhabitants” of the fledging nation. His work ensured that future lawmakers were enabled “to adapt the public measures to the particular circumstances of the community… [so that] the several classes into which the community was divided, should be accurately known.” Even in the 18th century they recognized the power of data collection to shape policy and decision making.

The ACS data is gathered yearly by surveying over 3.5 million households and making statistical inferences about this sampling. The ACS collects data on on socio-economic factors, housing and demographics about the nation’s population. Its purpose is to illuminate decision making at all levels–from neighborhood boards like DC’s ANCs to the Federal Government, and to aid in commerce and industry from mom and pop shops to global multinational corporations. Participation in the survey is akin to jury duty: if a citizen is selected to participate, it is their obligation to respond.(https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/programs-surveys/acs/about/ACS_Information_Guide.pdf)