What term is used for statistical descriptions of characteristics such as age, race, and income of a population?

The term "demographics" is utilized to describe statistical characteristics of a population, including aspects such as age, race, gender, income, education level, and other vital statistics. This concept plays a crucial role in various fields, such as marketing, public policy, and social research, as it provides essential data that helps understand and analyze the makeup of a particular group or community. By collecting and examining demographic data, organizations and researchers can identify trends, make informed decisions, and develop strategies that cater to specific populations.

In contrast, statistical analysis refers more broadly to the methods used to analyze numerical data rather than the specific characteristics of the population being studied. Cohort studies are a specific type of observational study where researchers follow a group over time to see how certain factors affect outcomes, which is not purely focused on the descriptive statistics of the population itself. Population dynamics deals with the changes in population size and composition over time, focusing on factors such as birth, death, and migration rates rather than merely describing existing characteristics. Hence, "demographics" is the most accurate term for the statistical descriptions of population characteristics.