Linear Regression of Iowa Population

Year          Population
2000         2,928,046      
2001         2,929,294
2002         2,929,395
2003         2,933,407
2004         2,942,739
2005         2,951,775
2006         2,967,270
2007         2,983,360
2008         3,002,555

r=0.94

y=9239.2x+2905786.3

The y-intercept (2905786.3) represents the population of Iowa in 1999 (year 0). The slope (9239.2) represents the growth of people in x years since 1999.

The data shows that the population growth of Iowa from 2000-2008 is fairly linear. The coefficient of correlation is 0.94 which shows that Iowa has seen steady and regular growth over the years.

It is important to be able to analyze regressions equations and scatterplots to be able to see patterns that occur. Data can be used to predict future results. For example, using this data, one may be able to predict the population of Iowa in 2020.