How are demographics used in HAZUS and what else can they be used for?
Demographics are aggregated data in HAZUS, meaning they are compiled at a level of census geography — tract for Hurricane and Earthquake models; block for Flood model. Demographics are characteristics about people associated with where they live. In HAZUS, this data is primarily used for estimating social losses, provided as results for shelter requirements. However, demographics are powerful data that can be used in a multitude of applications related to emergency management or otherwise. Demographics are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000. However, just like most data in HAZUS, this can be updated with your own more local, accurate data.