Definition of Occupation

A demographer, sometimes called a population sociologist or demographic analyst, studies a broad range of issues related to human populations such as the size, distribution and trends of populations; age, gender and racial differences; births, mortality rates, and migratory patterns; and the cause and effects of population changes.

A demographer applies statistical methods to collected data for analysis to identify and predict population trends. These scientists help governments, social service agencies, utility companies, private businesses, and market research firms to plan for the future. Government agencies rely on this information to help them plan health, environmental, social, transportation, and other services. Businesses may use this information to plan housing projects, prepare advertising, or in the development of products.