The U.S. census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years.

Economic Census

The Economic Census provides detailed information on employer businesses, including detailed data by industry, geography, and more.

Our Surveys & Programs

Our surveys provide periodic and comprehensive statistics about the nation. This data is critical for government programs, policies, and decision-making.

How Our Data Are Used

To determine the distribution of Congressional seats to states

Mandated by the U.S. Constitution
Used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
Used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government

Find out about the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program

To make planning decisions about community services

Such as where to:

Provide services for the elderly
Build new roads and schools
Locate job training centers

To distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year

Census data informs how states and communities allocate funding for:

Neighborhood improvements
Public health
Education
Transportation
Much more

To provide Age Search information

The Age Search service provides information for:

Qualifying for Social Security and other retirement benefits
Passport applications
Proving relationship in settling estates
Researching family history or a historical topic

Other Activities

Combining Data

The Census Bureau reuses data from other agencies to cut the cost of data collection and to reduce the burden on people who respond to our censuses and surveys.

Data Linkage Infrastructure

Our Data Linkage Infrastructure is transforming data discovery and fueling innovative research.

Student Opportunities Program

The Census Bureau has a number of programs available for students along with research opportunities for the scientific community.

Research Opportunities Program

International Programs

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts demographic, economic, & geographic studies of other countries & strengthens statistical development around the world.

Respond to Requests

This is our Frequently Asked Questions site. Start here to check if your question has already been answered.

Research to Improve Data on Race and Ethnicity

Learn more about Census Bureau's ongoing history of conducting research to improve questions and data on race and ethnicity.

Related Information

Business Opportunities

Available APIs

Training & Workshops