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Censuses and Surveys
The Census Bureau conducts many censuses and surveys. The most well-known is the official population census of the United States, called the decennial census. It is conducted every ten years, most recently in April 2000. During each decennial census, the Census Bureau collects data from every household in the U.S. and its territories.
Besides the decennial census, the Census Bureau conducts nearly one hundred other surveys and censuses every year. By law, no one is permitted to reveal information from these censuses and surveys that could identify any person, household, or business. Individual records from each decennial census are made public 72 years after the census has been taken.
The Decennial Census collects data every 10 years about households, income, education, homeownership, and more for the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. The data is used for apportionment of the seats in the House of Representatives. more | get data
The American Community Survey is a new nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau's reengineered 2010 census plan. more | get data
The Puerto Rico Community Survey is the equivalent of the American Community Survey for Puerto Rico. PRCS data are released in both English and Spanish. For the English release, PRCS and ACS data are presented together as the American Community Survey data set. more | get data
The Economic Census profiles the U.S. economy every 5 years, from the national to the local level. In 2002, Economic Census forms were mailed to more than five million businesses. more | get data
The Population Estimates Program publishes estimated population totals for the previous year for cities and towns, metropolitan areas, counties, and states. For selected geographies, estimates are available by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. more | get data
The Population Projections Program projects the future resident population for the nation and for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The data are available by age, sex, and race/ethnicity through the year 2100. more
The Census of Governments works to provide periodic and comprehensive statistics about governments and governmental activities. It covers government organization, finance, and employment. more
Information about demographic, social, economic, and housing characteristics of the United States population, as well as business, industry and trade data, can be found in several other surveys.
