Interpretation of health-related statistics from any geographic area or population really can only be done after an examination of the essential characteristics of the group - its demographics.  Such characteristics would include information on the age distribution of the population, as well as income, education, and gender, as well as such features as employment status and family size.

   The 1995 and 2000 Community Health Assessment Surveys done in the 21-County Michigan northern lower peninsula area showed levels of most conditions to vary largely as would be expected from the demographic characteristics of the various counties.