What is the term for the study and description of the people in a community?

The term that accurately describes the study and description of the people in a community is demographics. This field encompasses the statistical characteristics of populations, including aspects such as age, race, gender, income level, education, and other social metrics. By analyzing demographics, researchers and policymakers can gain insights into the composition and dynamics of a community, which can inform planning, development, and resource allocation.

Population, while related, refers more generally to a group of individuals residing in a particular area and does not inherently include the analytical aspect of studying their characteristics. Family lifestyles would focus specifically on the behaviors and practices of families, and households pertain to the units of people living together, rather than providing the detailed statistical analysis that demographics offers. Therefore, demographics is the most comprehensive term in understanding the nuances of a community's population characteristics.