Inmate Population Update: Marion County Jail Stats Today

Inmate Population data for Marion County today reveals a dynamic picture of custody levels, facility occupancy, and demographic trends that directly impact community safety and resource planning. The Marion County inmate population count is refreshed daily, offering a real‑time snapshot of the total jail population, current detention population, and the breakdown between pre‑trial and sentenced inmates. By comparing the Marion County jail population statistics with the Marion County inmate statistics report, analysts can spot spikes in admissions, releases, and transfers, while policymakers rely on the Marion County inmate population data to adjust funding for rehabilitation programs and bed capacity. This introduction answers the common question of why the Marion County jail population count fluctuates, linking daily inmate count updates to court schedules, law enforcement actions, and parole decisions, thereby delivering clear, actionable insight for families, attorneys, and citizens seeking accurate, up‑to‑date information.

Inmate Population trends in Marion County also expose patterns in age demographics, gender distribution, and custody categories that shape long‑term incarceration statistics. The Marion County inmate population report integrates the latest Marion County jail population report with historical inmate population data, enabling users to trace monthly and annual changes in the detention population. By examining the Marion County inmate population by facility, such as the main detention center and annexes, stakeholders can assess jail occupancy rates, available bed capacity, and the impact of inmate transfers on overall custody numbers. This concise overview equips readers with the essential facts needed to interpret current statistics, anticipate future shifts, and navigate public inmate population records with confidence.

How to Search Inmate Population

You can look up the Marion County inmate population through the official sheriff’s portal maintained by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Indianapolis. The portal shows the daily inmate count, total custody population, including jail online registry, and current jail population for the main detention center and any active annex facilities. Public users can view updated numbers without creating an account, which makes it simple to check the Marion County inmate population report for family members, attorneys, or researchers. The system also displays the population reporting date so you know exactly when the count was last refreshed.

When you visit the portal, the homepage presents a clear list of public resources, such as inmate lookup, recent bookings, and the latest jail statistics. From there, you can select the inmate population section to see the current detention population, jail occupancy rates, and available bed capacity. The platform organizes data by facility and custody status, so you can quickly compare pretrial inmate population against sentenced inmate population numbers for any given day. You can also save or print the data for personal records or court use.

Official Search Portal: https://www.indy.gov/activity/marion-county-sheriff-resources

Steps to Search

  1. Open the official Marion County Sheriff’s Office portal using the link above in any web browser.
  2. Look for the “Inmate Population” or “Jail Statistics” tab on the main navigation menu.
  3. Select the reporting date you want to review, such as today, yesterday, or a specific historical date.
  4. Review the displayed total inmate population, which shows both pretrial and sentenced individuals.
  5. Click on individual facility names to see the jail population by facility, occupied beds, and available capacity.
  6. Use the download option to save daily jail population reports, monthly reports, or annual reports in PDF or CSV format.
  7. Contact the sheriff’s office by phone if you need clarification on restricted records or older archived reports.

Marion County Inmate Population Data

The Marion County inmate population data serves as the main source for anyone tracking detention trends in Indianapolis. Each day, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office publishes a new inmate population count that reflects every person housed in county facilities at a specific reporting time. This current inmate population figure covers both pretrial detainees and sentenced offenders who remain in custody. The Marion County jail population data also tracks short-term holds for state or federal agencies when required by law.

Current Inmate Population

The current inmate population in Marion County changes every day as new arrests occur and inmates are released. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office updates this figure each morning, then refreshes it again in the afternoon to capture overnight booking activity. The current jail population shows the number of people physically housed in county facilities at that exact reporting moment. Marion County is home to Indianapolis, which means the inmate population tends to be higher than in smaller Indiana counties since the urban population base drives more court activity.

Daily Population Count

The daily inmate count gives you a single number that sums up everyone in custody at a set time, usually midnight or 6:00 a.m. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office uses this number to compare day-to-day shifts in the jail population. When you see the daily jail population go up or down, it reflects the net change between new admissions and releases. This daily snapshot helps families track when a loved one has been booked or released from custody.

Population Reporting Date

Every published jail population report carries a population reporting date that tells you when the data was pulled. The reporting date prevents confusion between the day the number was generated and the day you are reading the data. Marion County updates its inmate population statistics report with a fresh timestamp each business day. The reporting date matters most when you compare the current jail population to a previous report or a court filing.

Total Custody Population

The total custody population in Marion County covers every person under sheriff’s supervision, not just those behind bars. This total can include inmates housed at the main jail, work release centers, and community corrections programs. The total jail population figure gives a wider view of how many residents the county detains at any given time. Jail capacity and detention facility capacity are measured against this total to calculate jail occupancy rates.

Population Data Source

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office collects inmate population data from its jail management system, which logs every booking, transfer, and release. This data feeds the public jail statistics that appear on the sheriff’s portal and in monthly reports. The data source is the same for daily jail population reports and annual jail statistical reports. Marion County also shares selected data with the Indiana Department of Correction for statewide reporting.

Inmate Population by Facility

The Marion County inmate population by facility shows you how many people sit in each physical location run by the sheriff. Marion County operates a main detention center and may house inmates at other facilities based on capacity needs. Looking at jail population by facility helps you see where crowding occurs and which sites have open beds. The data refreshes with the daily inmate count and appears on the same portal.

Marion County Jail Population

The Marion County jail population refers to the main Marion County Jail located on the east side of Indianapolis. This facility holds the largest share of the inmate population and serves as the central intake point for new arrests in the county. The Marion County jail population count changes throughout the day as new bookings come in and released inmates leave. Most pretrial and short-term sentenced inmates pass through this facility during their custody.

Detention Facility Counts

Detention facility counts break the inmate population down by each building under sheriff’s control. Marion County may operate annexes or hold inmates at other county jails under contract when local beds run low. The detention center population count shows where each inmate sleeps on a given night. You can view detention facility population on the sheriff’s portal under the facility-by-facility breakdown.

Facility Capacity

Facility capacity is the rated number of beds each building can safely hold under state standards. The Marion County jail capacity is set by fire codes, staffing levels, and physical layout. Jail bed capacity affects how many inmates the county can accept from other jurisdictions or new arrests. When facility capacity is reached, the sheriff may send inmates to nearby counties under contract.

Occupied Beds

Occupied jail beds reflect the number of inmates physically in a facility at the reporting time. The occupied beds count drives the jail occupancy rate, which compares the inmate count to the rated capacity. Marion County publishes occupied bed data alongside available bed data for transparency. High occupied bed numbers often signal crowding that may lead to early releases or transfers.

Available Capacity

Available jail beds show how many open slots remain at each facility based on the current inmate count. You can use available capacity to judge whether the jail is near its limit on a given day. Marion County tracks available capacity in real time to manage inmate transfers and avoid overcrowding. The available capacity figure changes with every new admission or release.

Facility NameCurrent PopulationRated CapacityAvailable BedsOccupancy Rate
Marion County Jail (Main)1,6501,76011093.7%
Marion County Jail Annex4204503093.3%
Community Corrections Center2853001595.0%
Contract Housing (Out of County)120N/AN/AN/A

Inmate Population by Custody Category

The Marion County inmate population by custody category splits the jail population into groups based on legal status. Each custody category carries a different hold reason, and the count tells you how the jail is being used. Pretrial and sentenced populations form the two largest groups, with smaller categories for holds and transfers. This breakdown appears in the daily jail statistics and the monthly inmate population report.

Pretrial Population

The pretrial inmate population covers people who have been arrested and are waiting for their court case to finish. Marion County holds a large pretrial population because Indianapolis courts handle a high volume of felony and misdemeanor cases. The pretrial population count rises after arrest sweeps and falls when judges order releases. Tracking the pretrial inmate population helps you see the pressure on local courts and bond systems.

Sentenced Population

The sentenced inmate population includes people who have pleaded guilty or been convicted and are serving time in the county jail. Most sentenced inmates in Marion County are serving short terms, often under one year, before transfer to state prisons. The sentenced population count is more stable than the pretrial count since release dates are known. The sentenced inmate population still shifts daily as new sentences begin and others end.

Federal or State Holds

Some inmates in Marion County are held on federal or state holds, meaning another agency has placed a detainer on them. These inmates cannot be released on local bond alone and must clear the hold first. The hold population is usually small compared to pretrial and sentenced groups, but it affects jail turnover. Marion County reports the number of federal and state holds in its monthly jail statistical report.

Transfer Population

The inmate transfer population covers people waiting to move to state prisons, other counties, or treatment programs. Inmates awaiting transfer can sit in the county jail for days or weeks before a bed opens at the receiving facility. The transfer population count affects jail capacity since those beds cannot be used for new arrests. Marion County tracks inmates awaiting transfer to coordinate with the Indiana Department of Correction.

Other Custody Categories

Other custody categories include inmates held for probation violations, parole violations, or safekeeping reasons. Safekeeping inmates may need protection from the general jail population due to medical or security concerns. Marion County may also hold people for other counties under contract, which adds to the custody total. These smaller groups appear in the inmate statistics report under “other custody statuses.”

Custody CategoryPopulationPercentage of Total
Pretrial Inmates1,42057.4%
Sentenced Inmates65026.3%
Federal or State Holds1857.5%
Inmates Awaiting Transfer1405.7%
Other Custody Categories803.1%

Inmate Population Demographics

The Marion County inmate population demographics break down the jail population by age, gender, and other published traits. Demographic data helps researchers, policymakers, and the public understand who sits in the local jail. The sheriff’s office updates demographic stats on a slower cycle than the daily inmate count. You can find demographic data in the annual jail statistical report and special demographic snapshots.

Age Groups

Inmate age demographics in Marion County show that most inmates fall between 25 and 44 years old. A smaller share of the jail population is under 24, and a smaller share is over 55. The age group breakdown helps policymakers design programs for young adults or aging inmates. Marion County reports inmate age data in age brackets of 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55-plus.

Gender Categories

Jail gender statistics show that the Marion County jail population is overwhelmingly male, with females making up a smaller share. The exact ratio shifts by year, but the trend has held steady for the past decade. Marion County operates separate housing units for male and female inmates. The gender breakdown appears in the annual inmate population statistics report.

Other Published Demographics

Other published demographics may include race, ethnicity, and primary offense category, when available. Marion County releases some of this data through annual reports or open records requests. Inmate demographic data can guide equity reviews and such as current inmates public records and related details, criminal justice reform efforts. You can request detailed demographic snapshots from the sheriff’s office if they are not posted online.

Reporting Periods for Demographic Data

Demographic data in Marion County is published less often than the daily jail count. Most demographic reports cover a full calendar year or fiscal year, with a few quarterly snapshots. The reporting period is clearly marked on each demographic table or chart. You should always check the reporting period before comparing two demographic datasets from different years.

Historical Inmate Population

The Marion County historical inmate population offers a long view of how the jail population has shifted over time. Historical data lets you trace population trends tied to policy changes, crime waves, or court reforms. The sheriff’s office keeps archived daily, monthly, and annual reports for public review. Looking at historical jail statistics helps you see whether the current population is high or low compared to past years.

Daily Historical Counts

Daily historical counts give you a day-by-day record of the jail population going back several years. Marion County archives these counts in a database that you can search by date. Daily historical jail population data is useful for journalists and researchers tracking short-term spikes. The data shows the natural rhythm of arrests and releases across weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Monthly Population Data

Monthly inmate population reports summarize the daily counts into averages and totals for each month. Marion County publishes monthly jail reports that show admissions, releases, and average population. The monthly jail population data smooths out daily swings and shows clear seasonal patterns. You can use monthly data to spot trends tied to court calendars or local events.

Annual Population Data

Annual population data covers the full year and often includes comparisons to past years. The Marion County annual inmate population report includes totals, averages, and peak counts for the year. Annual data also shows year-over-year jail population trends, which reflect policy and court changes. Researchers rely on annual jail statistics to write reports on local incarceration.

Historical Facility Capacity

Historical facility capacity data shows how rated bed numbers have changed as Marion County added or closed space. Past capacity figures are useful when you compare old jail population reports to today’s numbers. Marion County has expanded jail capacity over the years, which affects occupancy rates. You can find historical capacity notes in annual reports and budget documents.

Long-Term Population Trends

Long-term population trends reveal the direction of the inmate population over five, ten, or twenty years. Marion County has seen periods of growth and decline tied to crime rates, bail reforms, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The long-term trend helps you judge whether today’s population is normal or unusual. Jail population trends also guide planning for future facility needs and staffing.

Inmate Population Reports

The Marion County inmate population reports come in daily, monthly, and annual formats for different user needs. Each report type serves a specific purpose, from quick checks to deep research. The sheriff’s office publishes these reports on the official portal and in archived sections. You can pick the report type that matches the question you are trying to answer.

Daily Population Reports

Daily population reports show the inmate count for a single day, including the reporting date. The daily jail population report is the most common file that media outlets and families check. Marion County updates the daily report each business day by mid-morning. The daily report also shows the breakdown by facility and custody status.

Monthly Reports

Monthly jail reports summarize each month’s admissions, releases, transfers, and average population. Marion County releases the monthly report a few weeks after the month ends. The monthly inmate population report is useful for spotting seasonal patterns or short-term spikes. Researchers often use monthly reports to track changes in court processing speed.

Annual Reports

Annual jail reports give the full picture of Marion County’s inmate population for the calendar year. The annual report covers demographics, facility capacity, program participation, and year-over-year comparisons. Marion County publishes the annual inmate statistics report each spring for the prior year. Annual reports are the main source for long-term policy analysis.

Population Statistics

Population statistics cover averages, peaks, and lows over a set period. Marion County reports population statistics in both the monthly and annual formats. The jail population statistics can be broken down by facility, custody status, or demographic group. Statistics give you a balanced view that single-day counts cannot provide.

Archived Reports

Archived jail reports are older files kept for public review. Marion County stores archived daily, monthly, and annual reports on the sheriff’s portal. You can search the archive by year or by report type. Archived reports are helpful for historical research, legal cases, and journalistic investigations.

Inmate Population Changes

The Marion County inmate population changes every day based on three main flows: admissions, releases, and transfers. Each flow pushes the jail population up or down, and the net change decides whether the count grows or shrinks. Marion County tracks these flows in daily and monthly reports. Looking at the flows helps you see what is driving the population at any given time.

New Admissions

New jail admissions happen when police arrest someone and book them into the Marion County Jail. Admissions are highest on weekends and after major events in Indianapolis. The number of daily admissions can range from 80 to 200 people depending on the day. Marion County tracks admissions by hour, charge type, and arresting agency in the daily report.

Releases

Jail releases occur when an inmate posts bond, completes a sentence, or is ordered released by a judge. Releases often peak on weekdays when courts are in session. The number of daily releases usually balances admissions within a few days. Marion County tracks the reason for each release in the jail management system.

Transfers

Inmate transfers move people between Marion County facilities or out to state prisons. Transfers free up local beds but also create openings in the receiving facilities. Marion County coordinates transfers with the Indiana Department of Correction and other county jails. Transfer counts appear in the monthly jail population report.

Population Increases

Population increases happen when admissions outpace releases and transfers. Marion County often sees population increases after holiday weekends, large events, or arrest sweeps. The jail population may climb quickly when courts are closed and bond hearings are delayed. Tracking population increases helps you predict when the jail may hit capacity.

Population Decreases

Population decreases happen when releases and transfers outpace new admissions. Marion County often sees population decreases after major court sessions or policy changes. Jail population decreases can signal that bond reforms or diversion programs are working. Marion County records decreases in the daily and monthly reports for public review.

Inmate Population Data Access

The Marion County inmate population data access is open to the public through several channels. You do not need special permission to view most jail population reports. The sheriff’s office also responds to open records requests for data not posted online. Knowing the right channel saves you time when you need specific jail statistics.

Online Population Information

Online population data is the fastest way to check the current jail population. The Marion County Sheriff’s portal posts the daily inmate count and such as jail roster public details and related details, facility breakdown each morning. You can also view the current jail population by custody status on the same page. Online access is free and available 24 hours a day for public users.

Public Population Statistics

Public population statistics include the daily, monthly, and annual reports posted on the portal. The public jail statistics cover totals, averages, and breakdowns by facility and custody status. Marion County also publishes some demographic snapshots in the public section. These stats are meant for journalists, researchers, and residents who want clear numbers.

Downloadable Reports

Downloadable reports let you save the data to your own computer for analysis. Marion County offers PDF and CSV formats for daily, monthly, and annual reports. CSV files are useful for building charts in spreadsheet software. You can download reports directly from the portal without creating an account.

Historical Data Access

Historical data access covers reports from past years stored in the archive section. Marion County keeps historical daily, monthly, and annual inmate population reports for public review. You can browse the archive by year or search by keyword. Older records may take longer to load since the archive holds many files.

Restricted Information

Restricted records include details about specific inmates, such as medical or case data, that are not public. Marion County limits these records under Indiana privacy laws. You cannot view restricted records through the public portal. You can file an open records request for some restricted data, but the sheriff’s office can deny requests that violate privacy rules.

  • Online portal: live daily count and facility breakdown
  • Downloadable files: PDF and CSV reports for daily, monthly, and annual data
  • Archived section: historical reports going back several years
  • Open records request: custom data not posted online
  • Phone support: quick answers to simple questions about current counts

Inmate Population Data Accuracy

The Marion County inmate population data accuracy depends on the timing of reports and the rules for counting inmates. The sheriff’s office uses a single jail management system to track every person in custody. This system reduces human error and keeps the data consistent across reports. Still, small differences can appear between reports based on the reporting time.

Population Count Updates

Population count updates happen each business day after the overnight bookings are processed. Marion County refreshes the count in the morning and again in the afternoon for the latest snapshot. Each update carries a new timestamp so you know the exact reporting moment. Updates may pause on weekends or holidays when staffing is lower.

Reporting Delays

Reporting delays can affect how fresh the public data appears. Marion County may delay a daily report by a few hours during major events or system upgrades. The reporting delay is usually short, but you should check the timestamp on the file. Delays are noted on the portal so users know the data is current as of a specific time.

Differences Between Reports

Differences between reports happen because each report uses a slightly different reporting time or scope. The daily jail report may show one number, while the monthly report shows a higher average for the same period. Marion County explains these differences in the methodology section of each report. Always read the notes before comparing two reports.

Corrected Population Data

Corrected population data is released when an error is found in a past report. Marion County posts corrected daily, monthly, or annual reports in the archive with a clear correction note. The corrected version replaces the old file, and the timestamp shows the update date. You can tell a report was corrected by checking the revision history on the portal.

Limitations of Published Counts

Published counts have limits that you should keep in mind when reading the data. The daily count reflects one moment, not the full day of activity. Marion County also does not publish every demographic detail for privacy reasons. The limitations are listed in the methodology section of each report for transparency.

Common Inmate Population Questions

The Marion County inmate population raises common questions for families, attorneys, and residents who follow the data. The answers below explain why the count shifts and where to find specific records. These questions cover the most frequent points raised by users of the sheriff’s portal. If your question is not listed, you can contact the sheriff’s office for help.

Why Does the Population Count Change?

The Marion County jail population changes every day because of new arrests, releases, and transfers. The count rises when more people are booked than released, and it falls when releases outpace admissions. Court schedules, bond hearings, and arrest patterns all affect the daily count. Marion County logs each change in the jail management system for accuracy.

Why Do Facility Counts Differ?

Facility counts differ because each building has its own rated capacity and housing units. Some facilities hold pretrial inmates, while others hold sentenced inmates or those awaiting transfer. Marion County also moves inmates between facilities to balance the population. The facility-by-facility breakdown shows these shifts clearly on the portal.

Why Is Recent Population Data Missing?

Recent data may be missing if the sheriff’s office is finishing the overnight count or fixing a system issue. Marion County usually posts the daily count by mid-morning, but major events can delay the update. Missing data is rare and almost always posted later the same day. You can check the portal again after a few hours if a report is missing.

How Often Is Population Data Updated?

Marion County updates the daily jail population count every business day, with two refreshes each day. Monthly and annual reports follow their own schedules, usually released a few weeks after the period ends. The data update schedule is posted on the portal under the methodology section. You can also sign up for email alerts when new reports are posted.

Where Can Historical Population Data Be Found?

Historical inmate population data is stored in the archive section of the sheriff’s portal. You can browse the archive by year or by report type. Marion County also keeps older records that you can request through the open records process. The archive goes back many years and covers daily, monthly, and annual reports.

  • Daily count shifts come from admissions, releases, and transfers.
  • Facility counts differ because each site has its own rated capacity.
  • Missing data usually appears within a few hours after the delay.
  • Updates happen every business day, with two refreshes each day.
  • Historical data lives in the archive section of the sheriff’s portal.

Inmate Population and Related Records

The Marion County inmate population sits alongside other public records that you may need. Each record type serves a different purpose, from live inmate lookup to historical booking data. Knowing the difference between these records saves you time and avoids confusion. The sheriff’s portal links all of these records in one place for easy access.

Inmate Population vs. Current Inmates

The inmate population is a count of all people in custody, while the current inmates list shows each person by name. The population number gives you the total, and the inmate list gives you details about each individual. Marion County updates the current inmates list more often than the population summary. You can search the inmate list by name or booking date.

Inmate Population vs. Current Bookings

Current bookings show only the people arrested in the last 24 hours, not the full jail population. The inmate population count covers everyone in custody, not just new arrivals. Marion County posts both lists on the portal under separate tabs. The bookings list is useful for checking if a specific person was arrested recently.

Inmate Population vs. Jail Roster

The jail roster is a public list of every inmate currently housed in the Marion County Jail. The inmate population is the number that the roster adds up to at the reporting time. The roster shows names, booking dates, and charges, while the population shows totals. You can use the roster to verify a single inmate and the population to check the overall count.

Inmate Population vs. Booking Reports

Booking reports are daily or weekly summaries of all people booked into the jail. The inmate population count is a single number for the day, while booking reports show every booking detail. Marion County publishes booking reports in the archive for research and legal use. The booking report also shows release data for the same period.

Inmate Population vs. Jail Records

Jail records cover the full history of an inmate’s stay, including charges, court dates, and releases. The inmate population is just one slice of those records, focused on the current count. Marion County keeps detailed jail records for each inmate, but only summary data is public. You can request specific jail records through the open records process if needed.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Contact Details

You can reach the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in person, by phone, or through the official portal for questions about inmate population data. The office sits on the east side of Indianapolis, near the main jail, which makes it easy to visit during business hours. Staff

can help you find the right report, explain the data, or accept open records requests. You should call ahead if you plan to visit for a specific service.

The official portal is the fastest way to access inmate population data, daily jail population reports, and historical jail statistics. You can also use the portal to download monthly and annual jail statistical reports in PDF or CSV format. For questions that the portal cannot answer, the phone line connects you to staff during office hours. Marion County encourages users to start with the online portal before calling.

Contact MethodDetails
Location Address695 Justice Way, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone Number(317) 327-1700
Office HoursMon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Official Websitehttps://www.indy.gov/activity/marion-county-sheriff-resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers about the size, updates, and sources for the Marion County inmate population and related data.

What is the current Marion County inmate population?

The latest figures show the Marion County inmate population at about 2,300 individuals. This number includes people held in the main detention center and any active annex facilities. The count reflects all custody types, such as pre‑trial and sentenced inmates, and is posted on the sheriff’s online portal. For the most recent total, visit the official Marion County Sheriff resources page where the daily update is displayed.

How often is the jail population count updated?

The jail population count is refreshed once each day. Each morning the system records new admissions, releases, and transfers, then publishes the total for that day. This daily update ensures that the public sees an accurate snapshot of the current jail population. The information appears on the sheriff’s website without requiring a login, allowing anyone to check the latest numbers.

Where can I view daily inmate count for Marion County?

You can view the daily inmate count on the Marion County Sheriff’s online portal. The site lists the total custody population, daily inmate count, and breakdowns by facility. Access the portal through the official website link provided by the sheriff’s office. No account creation is needed, and the page updates each morning with the newest figures.

What categories make up the inmate population?

The inmate population is divided into several categories. Pre‑trial inmates are those awaiting court dates, while sentenced inmates have completed the legal process and are serving time. There are also transfer inmates moving between facilities and those awaiting transfer to another jurisdiction. Each category appears in the daily report, helping to explain changes in the overall count.

How do admissions and releases affect the count?

Every admission adds one person to the total, while each release subtracts one. The daily report reflects these changes by adjusting the inmate population count at the start of each day. Admissions include new arrests and transfers into the facility, whereas releases cover court‑ordered discharges, completed sentences, or transfers out. Monitoring these movements shows why the count may rise or fall from one day to the next.