Research and Testing

The Census Bureau's goal was to design and conduct the 2020 Census at less cost per housing unit than the 2010 Census while maintaining high quality. This required early identification of the major cost drivers along with development and implementation of innovative enumeration methods aimed at reducing those costs. Four key design areas have been the focus of the majority of the work during the Research and Testing Phase:

• Innovation and Automation in Workforce Management
• Updating Existing Maps and Address Lists
• Increasing Self-Response with the Internet
• Using Existing Government Data Sources

Get email updates.

Census Testing by Year

2012 to 2019 is the primary research and testing phase for the 2020 Census. Research achieved during this time informs design decisions for the 2020 Census.

Content Research

We are testing questionnaire changes that could make some questions on the census less confusing for respondents and improve the accuracy of their answers.

Communications Research

We are conducting research in support of the 2020 Census Integrated Partnership and Communications Program.

Innovation and Automation in Workforce Management

We are testing an integrated workload management system and automation of field operations, including a prototype listing and enumeration device.

Updating Existing Maps and Address Lists

We continuously update electronic maps and address lists to show changes to roads and housing units.

Increasing Self-Response

The 2020 Census will use the internet and other electronic options. We are researching and testing how to tailor response modes by demographics and geography.

Using Existing Government Data Sources

We are researching the use of existing government data sources to identify vacant units and reduce the number of follow-up visits.

The Undercount of Young Children

An estimated 5 percent of kids under the age of 5 weren’t counted in the 2010 Census. See what is being done to address this in 2020.