How Does The Us Census Bureau Collect Data

U.S. Demography Bureau at a Glance

U.S. Census Bureau at a Glance

The Demography Agency is the federal government'south largest statistical agency. We are dedicated to providing electric current facts and figures about America'southward people, places, and economy. Federal law protects the confidentiality of all the information the Census Bureau collects.

Our Mission
Our History
Our Statistical Programs
- Censuses
- Surveys
- Population Estimates and Projections
Data Tools and Apps
Inquiry
Geography
International Stats
Regional Offices

Our Mission

The Census Bureau's mission is to serve every bit the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy.

We honour privacy, protect confidentiality, share our expertise globally, and comport our piece of work openly.

We are guided on this mission by scientific objectivity, our potent and capable workforce, our devotion to research-based innovation, and our abiding delivery to our customers.

Our History

1790_census-th

Thomas Jefferson directed the first census in 1790. As required by the U.Due south. Constitution, a census has been taken every x years thereafter. In 1840, the Census Act authorized the establishment of a centralized Census Part. In 1902, the Census Function became a permanent organisation within the Department of Interior. A year later, it was renamed the Agency of the Census and moved to the new Department of Commerce and Labor.

Our Statistical Programs

Censuses

The Decennial Census is the once-a-decade population and housing count required past the U.S. Constitution. The Census Bureau counts all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. The results of the decennial census determine the number of seats for each country in the U.Southward. House of Representatives and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts and to distribute hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds each twelvemonth.
The Economic Census measures the nation'due south economic system every 5 years, providing vital statistics for almost every manufacture and geographic area in the land.
The Census of Governments provides comprehensive information nigh the nearly 90,000 country and local governments in the nation every 5 years.

Surveys

The American Customs Survey (ACS) is an ongoing annual survey that shows what the U.S. population looks like and how it lives. The ACS helps communities decide where to target services and resources.
Demographic surveys mensurate income, poverty, educational activity, health insurance coverage, housing quality, crime victimization, computer usage, and many other subjects.
Economic surveys are conducted monthly, quarterly, and annually. They cover selected sectors of the nation'due south economy and supplement the Economic Demography with more frequent data most the dynamic economy. These surveys yield more than 400 almanac economical reports, including master economic indicators.
Sponsored surveys are demographic and economic surveys that we conduct for other authorities agencies. They include the Current Population Survey, the National Health Interview Survey, and the National Survey of College Graduates.
The Small Business Pulse Survey provides detailed information on the effect of the COVID-nineteen pandemic on pocket-size businesses as well as their participation in federal programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program.
The Household Pulse Survey asks questions about how the COVID- 19 pandemic afflicted didactics, employment, food security, health, housing, Social Security benefits, household spending, consumer spending associated with stimulus payments, intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and transportation.

Population Estimates and Projections

Every year, the Census Bureau publishes population estimates and demographic components of change, such as births, deaths, and migration. This data tin can be sorted by characteristics such as age, sex, and race, as well as by national, land, and county location.
The Census Bureau estimates population size and characteristics. Population projections are based on future demographic trends, including births, life expectancy, and migration patterns.

Research

The Census Bureau engages in a range of scientific and statistical activities. We actively research survey and questionnaire design every bit well as different modes of data collection, processing, and broadcasting.

Geography

National map with line of people

The Demography Bureau maintains a nationwide geographic database that includes boundary information for legal, statistical, and authoritative areas. We too rail physical features such as streets and rivers for geographic area delineation.

The Demography Bureau maintains a national accost file to support censuses and surveys.

International Stats

International Statistics

The Census Agency produces international demographic data, estimates, projections, and reports. The Census Agency also provides technical advisory services for foreign governments.

Regional Offices

Contact U.s.

There are many reasons you may want to contact the Census Bureau. Please see our list of contacts to help decide which is best for you.

Customer Contact Middle: 800-923-8282 or 301-763-INFO (4636). FAQs/client aid: <https://ask.census.gov>.

TDD: TTY users can dial 800-877-8339 to employ the Federal Relay Service.

News Media: 877-861-2010 or 301-763-3030 or <pio@census.gov>. Subscribe at present to receive Census Bureau releases and information on census.gov.

Request a gratis data workshop, training, or presentation:
E-postal service: <census.askdata@census.gov>.
Phone: 844-ASK-Information (844-275-3282).

Mailing Address:
Via U.Southward. Postal Service (USPS):
U.S. Census Bureau
4600 Silver Loma Route
Washington, DC 20233

Via private carriers (FedEx, DHL, UPS, couriers and suppliers):
U.S. Demography Bureau
4600 Silvery Loma Road
Suitland, Medico 20746

Report inaccurate, suspicious, and fraudulent information at <rumors@census.gov>.

Social Media: Connect with the U.S. Census Bureau using social media.

Follow Us @uscensusbureau