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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.


Decennial Census

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 (ACS)

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 (PRCS)

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

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


Population Estimates Program

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


Population Projections Program

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


Annual Economic Surveys

The Census Bureau conducts more than 100 economic surveys covering annual, quarterly, and monthly time periods for various sectors of the economy. On American FactFinder, you will find data from three annual economic surveys beginning with the 2003 data year: Annual Survey of Manufactures, Nonemployer Statistics, and County Business Patterns.   more  |  get data


Census of Governments

The Census of Governments works to provide periodic and comprehensive statistics about governments and governmental activities. It covers government organization, finance, and employment.   more


Other Surveys

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.

A comprehensive list of surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau is available at http://www.census.gov/main/www/surveys.html.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.   Last Revised: June 20, 2006

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