for more information (916) 880-1644 or (970) 366-4256

About Ribbon Demographics


Ribbon Demographics
was formed by highly experienced housing market analysts to provide specialized demographic data for the housing industry.

We used our knowledge of what it takes to perform a thorough and professional market study to develop a missing, yet vital source of information for the assessment of housing demand and feasibility – our unique HISTA Data, built for us by Claritas . No other data source contains household data broken down by the specific elements, based on a custom tabulation from the census bureau, needed to calculate demand so precisely.

Having spent over 20 years working with Census and other demographic data and with decades of market analysis experience, the members of Ribbon Demographics are uniquely positioned to understand the needs and challenges of both the industry we serve and the benefits and limitations of available demographic data. We also offer highly customized demand analysis and market study reviews and are committed to providing unparalleled customer service.

Ribbon Demographics is also a licensed reseller of Claritas standard demographic products so that HISTA users may obtain all the demographic data they need from one source.



Julia M. LaVigne

Julia LaVigne is the sole proprietor of Ribbon Demographics and has hands on involvement with all aspects of our products and services. Julia has conducted housing market analysis since the late 1980s and has experience in working with urban, suburban and rural properties in more than 30 states across the country, including extensive involvement with LIHTC, senior and active adult, mixed-use and 'New Urbanist' projects.

Through her work on LIHTC projects, Julia identified a need for specialized demographic data and spearheaded the development of HISTA Data. During this process, she gained a unique perspective regarding demographics – both as a provider and as a data user – and fully understands the challenges facing market analysts and decision makers.

Ms. LaVigne has been a speaker on market study and data issues at numerous affordable housing conferences. She has attended seminars and professional training courses relating to new development and revitalization of neighborhoods, Smart Growth and New Urbanism, demographic analysis, residential marketing and affordable housing.

She has been a Market Study Reviewer for several Housing Finance Agencies and has reviewed hundreds of market studies prepared for proposed affordable housing developments. Ms. LaVigne was a founding member of the National Council of Housing Market Analysts based in Washington, D.C. and has served as Chair of the Data Committee, Chair of the Education Committee and on the Executive Committee, as well as had involvement with the development of NCHMA’s Model Content Standards and Market Study Terminology.

A personal note from Julia
I have been a housing market analyst for more years than I care to admit, but still enjoy the challenge of finding the best information for each project. Since starting Ribbon, I have learned an enormous amount about demographic data and my experience as a market study reviewer has given me considerable insight into the challenges faced by market study readers and funding decision makers. I feel I have gained a unique understanding of the perspectives of all industry participants: data providers, market analysts and the end users of market studies.

As the owner of Ribbon Demographics, one of my primary goals is to provide first-class service and support for all of our clients and customers. As a market analyst who still works with deadlines, last minute changes, tricky market areas and tight budgets, I understand the challenges that our industry faces. Therefore I do my best to provide exactly what you need as quickly as possible.

If you ever have a question about data and how it relates to your projects, I am always more than happy to discuss it with you. Please feel free to contact me at 916-880-1644 or julia@ribbondata.com




Michael J. LaVigne

Mike LaVigne started at Ribbon Demographics in the fall of 2012, joining his wife, Julia, in the production of data reports and quickly taking on a number of technical improvements for the company. Mike is responsible for the development of RibbonMap, a program that uses Maptitude software to draw market areas and pull numerous data reports for those areas in minutes – cutting report production time dramatically. His decades’ long experience as a master technician for high end European cars has honed his computer, diagnostic and analytic skills, which have become invaluable in enhancing the technical side of Ribbon’s products.

Since joining Ribbon, Mike has been involved with all aspects of the business and has attended many affordable housing events. As a result, he has rapidly gained knowledge of both the demographic data and housing market analysis industries.

If you would like to learn more about RibbonMap and how it may help your organization, Mike would be more than happy to arrange an online demonstration you. Please feel free to contact him at 916-880-1644 or mike@ribbondata.com