Because population growth is a primary indicator for future traffic congestion, the MPO collects and analyzes population data. The staff has analyzed information supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Texas Demographic Center and developed a user friendly dashboard which provides estimates for the current population as well as demographics breakdowns for items such as the age, sex, and ethnicity of the population. The dashboard also provides population forecasts based on previous growth trends. This information is provided for Smith County and the various cities within the MPO boundary.