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{{Organization
|OrganizationName=United States Census Bureau
|OrganizationType=Independent Agencies
|Mission=The U.S. Census Bureau measures America - people, places, and our economy. It conducts the decennial census every ten years, and numerous other surveys to provide data that shape our democracy, guide business decisions, and inform public policy.
|ParentOrganization=United States Department of Commerce
|CreationLegislation=Act of March 6, 1902
|Employees=4200
|Budget=$1.6 billion (Fiscal Year 2024)
|OrganizationExecutive=Director
|Services=Decennial census; American Community Survey; Economic Census; Population estimates; Foreign trade statistics
|HeadquartersLocation=38.84718, -76.93062
|HeadquartersAddress=4600 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746
|Website=https://www.census.gov
}}
{{Short description|U.S. agency responsible for the census and related statistics}}

{{Infobox government agency
| logo            = United States Census Bureau Wordmark.svg
| logo_size       = 180px
| seal            = Seal of the United States Census Bureau.svg
| seal_size       = 170px
| formed          = {{start date and age|1902|7|1}}
| preceding1      =
| jurisdiction    = 
| headquarters    = [[Suitland, Maryland]], U.S.
| budget          = 
| chief1_name     = [[Robert Santos]]
| chief1_position = Director
| chief2_name     = [[Ron S. Jarmin]]
| chief2_position = Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer
| parent_department = 
| parent_agency   = [[United States Department of Commerce|U.S. Department of Commerce]]
| website         = {{URL|census.gov}}
| footnotes       = 
}}

The '''United States Census Bureau''' ('''USCB'''), officially the '''Bureau of the Census''', is a principal agency of the [[Federal Statistical System of the United States|U.S. Federal Statistical System]], responsible for producing data about the [[American people]] and [[American economy|economy]]. The U.S. Census Bureau is part of the [[United States Department of Commerce|U.S. Department of Commerce]] and its [[Director of the United States Census Bureau|director]] is appointed by the [[President of the United States]]. Currently, [[Robert Santos]] is the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau and Ron S. Jarmin is the Deputy Director.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-11 |title=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/census |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=U.S. Department of Commerce |language=en}}</ref>

The Census Bureau's primary mission is conducting the [[United States census|U.S. census]] every ten years, which allocates the seats of the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] to the [[U.S. state|states]] based on their population.<ref name="USCB DOC-D1026 QVC Manual 01/03/09"/> The bureau's various censuses and surveys help allocate over $675 billion in federal funds every year and it assists states, local communities, and businesses make informed decisions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/why.html|title=Why We Conduct the Decennial Census|date=October 28, 2019|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-date=April 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409072102/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/why.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bnlconsulting.com/case-studies/census-steps|title=US Census Bureau StEPS II Case Study |website=BNL Consulting |access-date=January 20, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202020412/http://bnlconsulting.com/case-studies/census-steps|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/05/15/the-u-s-census-is-in-trouble-this-is-why-its-crucial-to-what-the-nation-knows-about-itself/ |url-access=subscription |first1=Henry |last1=Farrell |date=May 15, 2017 |title=Analysis {{!}} The U.S. census is in trouble. This is why it's crucial to what the nation knows about itself.|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=May 15, 2017|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517004559/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/05/15/the-u-s-census-is-in-trouble-this-is-why-its-crucial-to-what-the-nation-knows-about-itself/|url-status=live}}</ref> The information provided by the census informs decisions on where to build and maintain schools, hospitals, transportation infrastructure, and police and fire departments.<ref name=":0" />

In addition to the decennial census, the Census Bureau continually conducts over 130 surveys and programs a year,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/surveys-programs.html|title=List of All Surveys & Programs |website=United States Census Bureau|language=EN-US|access-date=April 3, 2020|archive-date=April 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402192508/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/surveys-programs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> including the [[American Community Survey]], the [[United States Economic Census|U.S. Economic Census]], and the [[Current Population Survey]].<ref name="USCB DOC-D1026 QVC Manual 01/03/09">USCB DOC-D1026 QVC Manual 01/03/09</ref> The U.S. Economic Census occurs every five years and reports on American Business and the American economy in order to plan business decisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=US Census |title=Our Censuses |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/censuses.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> Furthermore, economic and foreign trade indicators released by the federal government typically contain data produced by the Census Bureau.

==Legal mandate==
[[File:Census Bureau headquarters, Suitland, Maryland, 2007.jpg|thumb|Census headquarters in [[Suitland, Maryland]]]]

[[Article One of the United States Constitution]] (section II) directs the [[population]] be enumerated at least once every ten years and the resulting counts used to [[United States congressional apportionment|set the number of members from each state]] in the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] and, by extension, in the [[United States Electoral College|Electoral College]]. The Census Bureau now conducts a full [[Census|population count]] every ten years in years ending with a zero and uses the term "[[decennial]]" to describe the operation. Between censuses, the Census Bureau makes population estimates and projections.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/popest/estimates.php |title=Population Estimates |date=May 31, 2006 |publisher=U.S. Bureau of the Census |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20061206215954/http://www.census.gov/popest/estimates.php |archive-date=December 6, 2006  }}</ref>

In addition, census data directly affects how more than $400 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, [[public health]], education, transportation and more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/partners/pdf/2010_TQA_Agent_FAQs_english.pdf|date=May 10, 2010 |website= U.S. Census |title=2010 Census Frequently Asked Questions |access-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723102105/https://www.census.gov/2010census/partners/pdf/2010_TQA_Agent_FAQs_english.pdf|archive-date=July 23, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Census Bureau is mandated with fulfilling these obligations: the collecting of statistics about the nation, its people, and economy. The Census Bureau's [[Rational-legal authority|legal authority]] is codified in [[Title 13 of the United States Code]].

The Census Bureau also conducts surveys on behalf of various [[Federal government of the United States|federal government]] and [[local government]] agencies on topics such as employment, crime, health, [[consumer expenditures]], and housing. Within the bureau, these are known as "demographic surveys" and are conducted perpetually between and during decennial (10-year) population counts. The Census Bureau also conducts economic surveys of manufacturing, retail, service, and other establishments and of domestic governments.

Between 1790 and 1840, the census was taken by [[United States Marshals Service|marshals]] of the [[United States federal judicial district|judicial districts]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Lunt |first=Edward C. |date=1888 |title=History of the United States Census |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2276342 |journal=Publications of the American Statistical Association |volume=1 |issue=2/3 |pages=63–93 |doi=10.2307/2276342 |issn=1522-5437}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2008 |title=History: 1790 |url=https://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012270.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303145157/https://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012270.html |archive-date=Mar 3, 2009 |website=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref> The Census Act of 1840 established a central office<ref>{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=https://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012275.html |title=History: 1840 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303143456/http://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012275.html |archive-date=March 3, 2009 |website=US Census Bureau |date=November 14, 2008 }}</ref> which became known as the Census Office. Several acts followed that revised and authorized new censuses, typically at the 10-year intervals. In 1902, the temporary Census Office was moved under the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of Interior]], and in 1903 it was renamed the Census Bureau under the new [[Department of Commerce and Labor]]. The department was intended to consolidate overlapping statistical agencies, but Census Bureau officials were hindered by their subordinate role in the department.<ref>"[https://www.census.gov/history/www/through_the_decades/overview/1900.html History: 1900 Overview]". US Census Bureau. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202164941/http://www.census.gov/history/www/through_the_decades/overview/1900.html |date=February 2, 2015 }}.</ref>

An act in 1920 changed the date and authorized manufacturing censuses every two years and agriculture censuses every 10 years.<ref name=History1920/> In 1929, a bill was passed mandating the House of Representatives be reapportioned based on the results of the [[1930 United States census|1930 census]].<ref name=History1920>[https://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012283.html History 1920]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303145212/http://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012283.html |date=March 3, 2009 }}. US Census Bureau.</ref> In 1954, various acts were codified into Title 13 of the U.S. Code.<ref>[https://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012286.html History 1954]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727161705/http://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012286.html |date=July 27, 2009 }}. US Census Bureau.</ref>

By law, the Census Bureau must count everyone and submit state population totals to the U.S. president by December 31 of any year ending in a zero. States within the Union receive the results in the spring of the following year.

==Data collection==
[[File:Census Regions and Division of the United States.svg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|U.S. Census Bureau Regions and Divisions]]

===Census regions and divisions===

The United States Census Bureau defines four statistical regions, with nine divisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/us_regdiv.pdf|access-date=February 3, 2016|author=United States Census Bureau, Geography Division|title=Census Regions and Divisions of the United States|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20130107113900/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/us_regdiv.pdf|archive-date=January 7, 2013}}</ref> The Census Bureau regions are "widely used...for data collection and analysis".<ref name=NEMS>"The National Energy Modeling System: An Overview 2003" (Report #:DOE/EIA-0581, October 2009). United States Department of Energy, [[Energy Information Administration]].</ref> The Census Bureau definition is pervasive.<ref>"The most widely used regional definitions follow those of the U.S. Bureau of the Census." Seymour Sudman and Norman M. Bradburn, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=8Ay2AAAAIAAJ Asking Questions: A Practical Guide to Questionnaire Design] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515042215/https://books.google.com/books?id=8Ay2AAAAIAAJ |date=May 15, 2016 }}'' (1982). [[Jossey-Bass]]: p. 205.</ref><ref>"Perhaps the most widely used regional classification system is one developed by the U.S. Census Bureau." Dale M. Lewison, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=oPUJAQAAMAAJ Retailing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521063523/https://books.google.com/books?id=oPUJAQAAMAAJ&dq=ISBN9780134614274 |date=May 21, 2016 }}'', [[Prentice Hall]] (1997): p. 384. {{ISBN|978-0-13-461427-4}}</ref><ref>"(M)ost demographic and food consumption data are presented in this four-region format." Pamela Goyan Kittler, Kathryn P. Sucher, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=eKdbaMY5AHEC&pg=PA475 Food and Culture] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204040905/https://books.google.com/books?id=eKdbaMY5AHEC&lpg=PA475&pg=PA475 |date=December 4, 2016 }}'', [[Cengage Learning]] (2008): p. 475. {{ISBN|978-0495115410}}</ref> The [[Territories of the United States|territories]] are not included, but the [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]] is.

Regional divisions used by the United States Census Bureau:<ref name="census">{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/maps-data/maps/reference/us_regdiv.pdf|title=Census Bureau Regions and Divisions with State FIPS Codes|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=February 3, 2016|archive-date=December 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219134403/https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/maps-data/maps/reference/us_regdiv.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/technical-documentation/complete-tech-docs/summary-file/2020Census_PL94_171Redistricting_NationalTechDoc.pdf |title=2020 Census National Redistricting Data Summary File |publisher=US Census Bureau |access-date=August 18, 2021 |pages=88–89 |date=February 2021 |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627200415/https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/technical-documentation/complete-tech-docs/summary-file/2020Census_PL94_171Redistricting_NationalTechDoc.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Region 1: [[Northeastern United States|Northeast]]
** Division 1: [[New England]] ([[Connecticut]], [[Maine]], [[Massachusetts]], [[New Hampshire]], [[Rhode Island]], and [[Vermont]])
**  Division 2: [[Mid-Atlantic States|Mid-Atlantic]] ([[New Jersey]], [[New York (state)|New York]], and [[Pennsylvania]])
* Region 2: [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] (Prior to June 1984, the Midwest Region was designated as the North Central Region.)<ref name="census" />
** Division 3: [[East North Central States|East North Central]] ([[Illinois]], [[Indiana]], [[Michigan]], [[Ohio]], and [[Wisconsin]])
**  Division 4: [[West North Central States|West North Central]] ([[Iowa]], [[Kansas]], [[Minnesota]], [[Missouri]], [[Nebraska]], [[North Dakota]], and [[South Dakota]])
* Region 3: [[Southern United States|South]]
** Division 5: [[South Atlantic States|South Atlantic]] ([[Delaware]], the [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]], [[Florida]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Maryland]], [[North Carolina]], [[South Carolina]], [[Virginia]], and [[West Virginia]])
**  Division 6: [[East South Central States|East South Central]] ([[Alabama]], [[Kentucky]], [[Mississippi (state)|Mississippi]], and [[Tennessee]])
**  Division 7: [[West South Central States|West South Central]] ([[Arkansas]], [[Louisiana]], [[Oklahoma]], and [[Texas]])
* Region 4: [[Western United States|West]]
** Division 8: [[Mountain States|Mountain]] ([[Arizona]], [[Colorado]], [[Idaho]], [[Montana]], [[Nevada]], [[New Mexico]], [[Utah]], and [[Wyoming]])
**  Division 9: [[Pacific States|Pacific]] ([[Alaska]], [[California]], [[Hawaii]], [[Oregon]], and [[Washington (state)|Washington]])

====History====
The first census was collected in 1790 and published in 1791.<ref name=":1" /> It was 56 pages and cost $44,377.28.<ref name=":1" /> 

The current system was introduced for the 1910 census, but other ways of grouping states were used historically by the Census Bureau. The first of these was introduced after the 1850 census by statistician and later census superintendent [[J. D. B. De Bow]]. He published a compendium where the states and territories were grouped into five "great division", namely the Middle, New England, the Northwestern, the Southern, and the Southwestern great divisions. Unsatisfied with this system, De Bow devised another one four years later, with states and territories grouped into an Eastern, Interior, and Western "great section", each divided into a northern and southern half called "divisions".

In the following decades, several other systems were used, until the current one was introduced in 1910. This system has seen only minor changes: New Mexico and Arizona were both added to the Mountain division upon statehood in 1912, the North region was divided into a Northeast and a North Central region in 1940, Alaska and Hawaii were both added to the Pacific division upon statehood in 1959, and the North Central region was renamed the Midwest in 1984.<ref>[https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/reference/GARM/Ch6GARM.pdf Statistical Groupings of States and Counties] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129035331/https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/reference/GARM/Ch6GARM.pdf |date=January 29, 2022 }} (PDF)</ref>

===Uses of census data===

Many federal, state, local and tribal governments use census data to:<ref name="Bureau">{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=US Census |title=What We Do |url=https://www.census.gov/about/what.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Census.gov}}</ref>
* Decide the location of new housing and public facilities,
* Examine the demographic characteristics of communities, states, and the US,
* Plan transportation systems and roadways,
* Determine quotas and creation of police and fire precincts, and
* Create localized areas for elections, schools, utilities, etc.
* Gathers population information every 10 years
Census data is used to determine how seats of Congress are distributed to states.<ref name="Bureau"/> Census data is not used to determine or define race genetically, biologically or anthropologically.<ref>{{Cite web  |title=About the Topic of Race |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/race/about.html |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The census data is also used by the Bureau to obtain a real-time estimate in U.S. and World Population Clock.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-03 |title=Census Bureau Projects U.S. and World Populations on New Year's Day |url=https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2024/01/census-bureau-projects-us-and-world-populations-new-years-day |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=U.S. Department of Commerce |language=en}}</ref> Only peoples whose live in the 50 states and within the District of Columbia are included in the estimation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population Clock |url=https://www.census.gov/popclock/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=www.census.gov}}</ref>

===Data stewardship===
The United States Census Bureau is committed to confidentiality and guarantees non-disclosure of any addresses or personal information related to individuals or establishments. [[Title 13 of the United States Code|Title 13]] of the [[United States Code|U.S. Code]] establishes penalties for the disclosure of this information. All census employees must sign an [[affidavit]] of non-disclosure prior to employment. This non-disclosure states "I will not disclose any information contained in the schedules, lists, or statements obtained for or prepared by the Census Bureau to any person or persons either during or after employment."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=US Census |title=Oath of Non-Disclosure |url=https://www.census.gov/about/policies/privacy/data_stewardship/oath_of_non-disclosure.html |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The punishment for breaking the non-disclosure is a fine up to $250,000 or 5 years in prison.

The bureau cannot share responses, addresses or personal information with anyone, including the United States or foreign governments, or law enforcement agencies such as the [[IRS]] or the [[FBI]] or [[Interpol]]. "Providing quality data, for public good—while respecting individual privacy and, at the same time, protecting confidentiality—is the Census Bureau's core responsibility"; "Keeping the public's trust is critical to the Census's ability to carry out the mission as the leading source of quality data about the Nation's people and economy."<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.census.gov/po/www/foia/D590.pdf|date=April 2009|title=Census Employee Handbook|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117214039/http://www.census.gov/po/www/foia/D590.pdf|archive-date=January 17, 2012}}</ref> Only after 72 years does the information collected become available to other agencies or the general public.<ref name="The 72-Year Rule">{{cite web|title=72-Year Rule|url=https://www.census.gov/history/www/genealogy/decennial_census_records/the_72_year_rule_1.html|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 20, 2015|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416202132/https://www.census.gov/history/www/genealogy/decennial_census_records/the_72_year_rule_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Seventy-two years was picked because usually by 72 years since the census is taken, most participants would be deceased.<ref name="The 72-Year Rule" />

Despite these guarantees of confidentiality, the Census Bureau has some history of disclosures to other government agencies. In 1918, the Census Bureau released individual information regarding several hundred young men to the Justice Department and [[Selective Service]] system for the purpose of prosecutions for draft evasion.<ref>{{citation |url=http://aascpress.metapress.com/content/jk115283m54v4313/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701170027/http://aascpress.metapress.com/content/jk115283m54v4313/ |url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2012|journal=[[Amerasia Journal]] |publisher=[[UCLA Asian American Studies Center]] Press|issn=0044-7471|volume=8|number=2|date=Fall–Winter 1981|pages=111–120|title=The Myth of Census Confidentiality |doi=10.17953/amer.8.2.jk115283m54v4313|last1=Okamura|first1=Raymond Y.}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/census-confidentiality-checks-is-mail|title=Census Confidentiality? The Check's in the Mail|author=David Kopel|date=May 4, 1990|publisher=[[Cato Institute]]|author-link=David Kopel|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805183101/https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/census-confidentiality-checks-is-mail|url-status=live}}</ref> During [[World War II]], the United States Census Bureau assisted the government's [[Japanese American internment]] efforts by providing confidential neighborhood information on [[Japanese-Americans]]. The bureau's role was denied for decades but was finally proven in 2007.<ref>{{citation|title=Confirmed: The U.S. Census Bureau Gave Up Names of Japanese-Americans in WW II|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=confirmed-the-us-census-b&sc=I100322|work=[[Scientific American]]|author=JR Minkel|date=March 30, 2007|access-date=March 20, 2010|archive-date=August 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829181345/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=confirmed-the-us-census-b&sc=I100322|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-30-census-role_N.htm |title=Papers show Census role in WWII camps |work=[[USA Today]] |author=Haya El Nasser |date=March 30, 2007 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826005305/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-30-census-role_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

United States census data are valuable for the country's political parties; [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] are highly interested in knowing the accurate number of persons in their respective districts.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nobles|first=Melissa|date=2000|title=Shades of Citizenship: Race and the Census in Modern Politics|location=Stanford, CA|publisher=Stanford University Press|page=ix|isbn=9780804740135}}</ref> These insights are often linked to financial and economic strategies that are central to federal, state and city investments for locations of particular populations.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Breiman|first1=Leo|date=1994|title=The 1991 Census Adjustment: Undercount or Bad Data?|journal=[[Statist. Sci.]]|volume=9|issue=4|pages=458–475|doi=10.1214/ss/1177010259|doi-access=free}}</ref> Such apportionments are designed to distribute political power across neutral spatial allocations; however, "because so much is at stake, the census also runs the risk of being politicized."<ref>{{cite book|last1=Anderson|first1=Margo|last2=Fienberg|first2=Stephen|date=1999|title=Who Counts?: The Politics of Census-Taking in Contemporary America|jstor=10.7758/9781610440059|publisher=[[Russell Sage Foundation]]|page=17|isbn=978-1-61044-005-9}}</ref>

Such political tensions highlight the complexity of [[Identity (social science)|identity]] and [[classification]]; some argue that unclear results from the population data "is due to distortions brought about by political pressures."<ref name="Petersen 1987 187–234">{{cite book|last=Petersen|first=William|editor-last1=Alonso|editor-first1=William|editor-last2=Starr|editor-first2=Paul|title=The Politics of Numbers|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/politicsofnumber00alon_0|chapter-url-access=registration|publisher=Russell Sage Foundation|date=1987|pages=[https://archive.org/details/politicsofnumber00alon_0/page/187 187–234]|chapter=Politics and the Measurement of Ethnicity|isbn=978-1-61044-002-8}}</ref> One frequently used example includes ambiguous ethnic counts, which often involves underenumeration and/or undercounting of minority populations.<ref name="Petersen 1987 187–234"/> Ideas about race, ethnicity and identity have also evolved in the United States, and such changes warrant examination of how these shifts have impacted the accuracy of census data over time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/news/2015/02/06/103605/infographic-government-collection-of-race-and-ethnicity-data|title=Government collection of race and ethnicity data|last1=Ahmad|first1=Farah|last2=Hagler|first2=Jamal|publisher=[[Center for American Progress]]|date=February 6, 2015|access-date=November 18, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110181801/https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/news/2015/02/06/103605/infographic-government-collection-of-race-and-ethnicity-data/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The United States Census Bureau began pursuing technological innovations to improve the precision of its census data collection in the 1980s. Robert W. Marx, the Chief of the Geography Division of the USCB teamed up with the [[United States Geological Survey|U.S. Geological Survey]] and oversaw the creation of the [[Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing]] (TIGER) database system.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url=http://www.aag.org/cs/membership/tributes_memorials/mr/marx_robert_w |title=Memorials and Tributes: Robert W. Marx |magazine=American Association of Geographers Newsletter |volume=45 |issue=3 |pages=14 |access-date=November 20, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032825/http://www.aag.org/cs/membership/tributes_memorials/mr/marx_robert_w |url-status=live }}</ref> Census officials were able to evaluate the more sophisticated and detailed results that the TIGER system produced; furthermore, TIGER data is also available to the public. And while the TIGER system does not directly amass demographic data, as a [[geographic information system]] (GIS), it can be used to merge [[demographics]] to conduct more accurate geospatial and mapping analysis.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ostenso|first1=John|date=1991|title=The Statistics Corner: More New Products from the Census Bureau |jstor=23485837 |journal=Business Economics|volume=26|issue=4|pages=62–64}}</ref>

In July 2019, the Census Bureau stopped releasing new data via American FactFinder, which was decommissioned in March 2020 after 20 years of being the agency's primary tool for data dissemination.<ref>{{cite press release|title=American FactFinder Is Retiring March 31|url=https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/american-factfinder-retiring.html|access-date=December 23, 2020|date=March 17, 2020|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218004518/https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/american-factfinder-retiring.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The new platform is data.census.gov.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/data/academy/webinars/2019/transition-data-census.html |title=Accessing Census Data in 2019: The Transition to data.census.gov |publisher=US Census Bureau |language=EN-US |access-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711010422/https://www.census.gov/data/academy/webinars/2019/transition-data-census.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Ongoing surveys===
[[File:Video explaining how to use data.census.gov.ogg|thumb|A social media video from the Census Bureau explaining how to use data.census.gov, an online platform that enables the public to search and use data from their Bureau's surveys.]]
Throughout the decade between censuses, the bureau conducts surveys to produce a general view and comprehensive study of the United States' social and economic conditions. Staff from the Current Surveys Program conduct over 130 ongoing and special surveys about people and their characteristics.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of All Surveys|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/are-you-in-a-survey/survey-list.html|website=Census.gov|access-date=April 4, 2015|archive-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403204750/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/are-you-in-a-survey/survey-list.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A network of professional field representatives gathers information from a sample of households, responding to questions about employment, consumer expenditures, health, housing, and other topics.

'''Surveys conducted between decades:'''
{{columns-list|colwidth=35em|
* [[American Community Survey]]
* [[American Housing Survey]]
* [[Consumer Expenditure Survey]]
* [[United States Census of Governments|Census of Governments]]
* [[Current Population Survey]]
* [[United States Economic Census|Economic Census]]
* National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/ahcd/index.htm|title=NAMCS/NHAMCS – Ambulatory Health Care Data Homepage|date=August 20, 2018|website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=September 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919202108/https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/ahcd/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/index.htm National Health Interview Survey]
* National Hospital Care Survey<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhds/index.htm|title=NHDS – National Hospital Discharge Survey Homepage|date=January 10, 2018|website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=September 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919204255/https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhds/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
* [[National Crime Victimization Survey]]
* National Nursing Home Survey<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nnhs/index.htm|title=NNHS – National Nursing Home Survey Homepage|date=September 12, 2018|website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913150255/https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nnhs/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Survey of Income and Program Participation]]
* Survey of Construction<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/econ/overview/co0400.html|title=US Census Bureau Business and Industry Main Page|first=US Census Bureau Economic|last=Directorate|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913112742/https://www.census.gov/econ/overview/co0400.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Survey of Market Absorption<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/soma/overview.html|title=Survey of Market Absorption of Apartments – Overview|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=July 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715083014/http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/soma/overview.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Survey of Program Dynamics<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sipp/about/spd.html|title=Survey of Program Dynamics|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913112721/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sipp/about/spd.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[National Longitudinal Survey]]
* National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation<ref>[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/fhwar.html www.census.gov/programs-surveys/fhwar.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914112833/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/fhwar.html |date=September 14, 2018 }} (2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996, 1991)</ref>
* Residential Finance Survey<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/rfs.html|title=Residential Finance Survey (RFS)|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=December 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230045546/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/rfs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol Related Conditions
* Annual Retail Trade Survey<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/econ/overview/re0200.html|title=US Census Bureau Site Name main page|first=US Census Bureau Creating office name|last=here|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=October 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027001930/https://www.census.gov/econ/overview/re0200.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Annual Wholesale Trade Survey<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/awts|title=Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS)|website=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=September 13, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116175001/https://www.census.gov/awts|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Annual and Quarterly Services Surveys
}}

===Other surveys conducted===
The Census Bureau also collects information on behalf of survey sponsors. These sponsors include the [[Bureau of Justice Statistics]] (BJS), the [[Department of Housing and Urban Development]] (HUD), the [[National Center for Education Statistics]] (NCES), and the [[National Science Foundation]] (NSF), among others.

==Organizational structure==
{{see also|Director of the United States Census Bureau}}
[[File:New Regional Offices.png|thumb|right|U.S. Census Bureau Regional Office boundaries]]

Since 1903, the official census-taking agency of the United States government has been the Bureau of the Census. The Census Bureau is headed by a director, assisted by a deputy director and an executive staff composed of the associate directors.

The Census Bureau headquarters has been in [[Suitland, Maryland]], since 1942. A new headquarters complex completed there in 2007 supports over 4,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web
| url=             https://www.census.gov/history/www/census_then_now/census_facilities/new_headquarters_building.html
| title=             New Headquarters
| date=             October 22, 2019
| access-date=             November 3, 2019
| archive-date=             November 3, 2019
| archive-url=             https://web.archive.org/web/20191103041755/https://www.census.gov/history/www/census_then_now/census_facilities/new_headquarters_building.html
| url-status=             live
}}</ref>
>    The bureau operates regional offices in 6 cities:<ref>{{Cite web
| url= https://www.census.gov/regions
| title= Regional Offices
| access-date= March 26, 2019
| archive-date= March 27, 2019
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090924/https://www.census.gov/regions
| url-status= live
}}</ref>
> [[32 Old Slip|New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], [[Chicago]], [[Atlanta]], [[Denver]], and [[Los Angeles]]. The National Processing Center is in [[Jeffersonville, Indiana]]. Additional temporary processing facilities facilitate the decennial census, which employs more than a million people. The cost of the 2000 census was $4.5 billion. During the years just prior to the decennial census, parallel census offices, known as "Regional Census Centers" are opened in the field office cities. The decennial operations are carried out from these facilities. The Regional Census Centers oversee the openings and closings of smaller "Area Census Offices" within their collection jurisdictions. In 2020, Regional Census Centers oversaw the operation of 248 Area Census Offices,<ref>{{cite web|last=United States Census Bureau|date=December 31, 2018|title=2020 Census Operational Plan v4.0|url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/program-management/planning-docs/2020-oper-plan4.pdf|access-date=January 20, 2021|website=Census.gov|archive-date=August 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802113646/https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/program-management/planning-docs/2020-oper-plan4.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The estimated cost of the 2010 census is $14.7 billion.

On January 1, 2013, the Census Bureau consolidated its twelve regional offices into six. Increasing costs of data collection, changes in survey management tools such as laptops and the increasing use of multi-modal surveys (i.e. internet, telephone, and in-person) led the Bureau to consolidate.<ref>{{cite web | title=A Restructuring of Census Bureau Regional Offices | publisher=U.S. Bureau of the Census | url=http://directorsblog.blogs.census.gov/2011/06/29/a-restructuring-of-census-bureau-regional-offices/ | access-date=June 21, 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611033428/http://directorsblog.blogs.census.gov/2011/06/29/a-restructuring-of-census-bureau-regional-offices/ | archive-date=June 11, 2012 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The six regional offices that closed were Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City and Seattle. The remaining regional offices are New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web | title=Census Bureau Regional Office Boundaries | publisher=U.S. Bureau of the Census | url=https://www.census.gov/newsroom/pdf/new_ro_map_final2.pdf | access-date=June 21, 2012 | archive-date=June 25, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625170441/http://www.census.gov/newsroom/pdf/new_ro_map_final2.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>

The Census Bureau also runs the [[Census Information Center]] cooperative program that involves 58 "national, regional, and local non-profit organizations". The CIC program aims to represent the interests of underserved communities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Census Information Centers |publisher=U.S. Bureau of the Census |url=https://www.census.gov/clo/www/cic/ |access-date=May 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516123415/http://www.census.gov/clo/www/cic/ |archive-date=May 16, 2008  }}</ref>

==Computer equipment==
[[File:Univac I at Census Bureau with two operators.jpg|thumb|Census Bureau employees tabulate data using one of the agency's UNIVAC computers, {{circa|1960}}.]]

The [[1890 United States Census|1890 census]] was the first to use the electric tabulating machines invented by [[Herman Hollerith]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/history/www/notable_alumni/010944.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713005237/http://www.census.gov/history/www/notable_alumni/010944.html|url-status=dead|title=Herman Hollerith|archivedate=July 13, 2009}}</ref><ref>[https://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012280.html History 1890] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503111938/http://www.census.gov/history/www/overview/012280.html |date=May 3, 2009 }} US Census Bureau.</ref> For 1890–1940 details, see {{cite book |author1-link=Leon E. Truesdell | last= Truesdell |first = Leon E. |title = The Development of Punch Card Tabulation in the Bureau of the Census, 1890–1940: With outlines of actual tabulation programs | publisher = [[United States Government Printing Office|U.S. GPO]] | year = 1965}} In 1946, knowing of the bureau's funding of Hollerith and, later, [[Powers Accounting Machine Company|Powers]], [[John Mauchly]] approached the bureau about early funding for [[UNIVAC]] development.<ref>{{cite book |last=Stern |first=Nancy |title= From ENIAC to UNIVAC: An appraisal of the Eckert-Mauchly Computers |publisher=Digital Press|year =1981 |isbn =978-0-932376-14-5}}</ref> A [[UNIVAC I]] computer was accepted by the bureau in 1951.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bashe |first=Charles J. |display-authors=et al |title=IBM's Early Computers |publisher=MIT |year=1986 |isbn=978-0-262-02225-5 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/ibmsearlycompute00bash }}</ref>

==Handheld computers==
Historically, the census information was gathered by census takers going door-to-door collecting information in a ledger. Beginning in 1970 information was gathered via mailed forms. To reduce paper usage, reduce payroll expense and acquire the most comprehensive list of addresses ever compiled, 500,000 handheld computers (HHCs) (specifically designed, single-purpose devices) were used for the first time in 2009 during the address canvassing portion of the 2010 Decennial Census Project. Projected savings were estimated to be over $1 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://www.govcomm.harris.com/solutions/products/000138.asp |website=Harris |title=U.S. Census Bureau Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) Program |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429014955/http://www.govcomm.harris.com/solutions/products/000138.asp |archive-date=April 29, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Weinberg|first1=Daniel|title=Management challenges of the 2010 U.S. Census|url=https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/weinberg-managing2010.pdf |date=July 28, 2011 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=December 29, 2015|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127153113/https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/weinberg-managing2010.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives, [https://web.archive.org/web/20090625005513/http://informationpolicy.oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=2467 "Chairman Clay Pleased With Census Address Canvassing Progress"]. June 8, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2013.</ref>

===Security precautions===
{{Main|Device fingerprint}}
The HHC was manufactured by [[Harris Corporation]], an established [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] contractor, via a controversial<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |author=Wade-Hahn Chan |url=http://www.fcw.com/Articles/2008/03/28/Have-feds-cheapened-contract-bonuses.aspx |title=Have feds cheapened contract bonuses? |publisher=FCW |date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=August 9, 2013 |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826010307/http://fcw.com/Articles/2008/03/28/Have-feds-cheapened-contract-bonuses.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0608/061108n1.htm |title=Census getting back on course, lawmakers told – Oversight |publisher=GovExec.com |access-date=August 9, 2013 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606134950/http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0608/061108n1.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> contract with the [[Department of Commerce]]. Secured access via a [[Fingerprint#Livescan devices|fingerprint swipe]] guaranteed only the verified user could access the unit. A [[GPS]] capacity was integral to the daily address management and the transfer of gathered information. Of major importance was the security and integrity of the populace's private information.

===Success and failure===
Enumerators (information gatherers) that had operational problems with the device understandably made negative reports. During the 2009 Senate confirmation hearings for [[Robert Groves]], President Obama's Census Director appointee, there was much mention of problems but very little criticism of the units.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> In rural areas, the sparsity of cell phone towers caused problems with data transmission to and from the HHC. Since the units were updated nightly with important changes and updates, operator implementation of proper procedure was imperative.

==Research studies==
Census Bureau stays current by conducting research studies to improve the work that they do. Census researchers explore topics about survey innovations, participation, and data accuracy, such as undercount,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Hare |first=William |title=Investigating the 2010 Undercount of Young Children – Summary of Recent Research |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade/2020/planning-management/plan/final-analysis/2020-report-2010-undercount-children-summary-recent-research.html |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=2020 Census Final Analysis Reports}}</ref> overcount,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sha |first=Mandy |title=Success of Applying Census Residence Rule to Resolve Duplication |url=https://www.census.gov/library/working-papers/2014/adrm/ssm2014-04.html |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=Census Working Papers}}</ref> the use of technologies,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nichols |first=Elizabeth |title=Use of Mobile Phone Location Data in Official Statistics |url=https://www.census.gov/library/working-papers/2023/adrm/rsm2023-03.html |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=Census Working Papers}}</ref> multilingual research,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sha |first=Mandy |title=Multilingual Research for Interviewer Doorstep Messages Final Report |url=https://www.census.gov/library/working-papers/2018/adrm/rsm2018-08.html |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=Census Working Papers}}</ref> and ways to reduce costs. In addition, the Bureau pretests surveys and digital products before they are fielded and then evaluates them after they have been conducted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why does research matters at the Census Bureau? |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/research/about.html |access-date=September 26, 2023 |website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Geography|<!--Demography-->|North America|United States}}
* [[List of U.S. states and territories by population]]
* [[List of metropolitan statistical areas]]
* [[List of United States cities by population]]
* [[List of United States counties and county equivalents]]
* [[Office of Management and Budget|United States Office of Management and Budget]]
** [[Statistical area (United States)|Primary statistical area]] ([[List of primary statistical areas of the United States|list]])
** [[Combined statistical area]] ([[List of combined statistical areas|list]])
** [[Core-based statistical area]] ([[List of core-based statistical areas|list]])

* [[Metropolitan statistical area]] ([[List of metropolitan statistical areas|list]])
* [[Micropolitan statistical area]] ([[List of micropolitan statistical areas|list]])
** [[List of United States urban areas]]

* [[Title 13 of the United States Code]]
* [[Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations]]
* [[Director of the United States Census Bureau]]
* [[Data.gov]]
* [[USAFacts]]
* ''[[Statistical Abstract of the United States]]''

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|United States Census Bureau}}
* [https://www.census.gov/ United States Census Bureau]
* [https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/census-bureau Census Bureau] in the [[Federal Register]]
* [https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html USCB population estimates]
* [https://www.census.gov/history USCB History]
* [https://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html U.S. and World Population Clocks – POPClocks]
* [https://www.census.gov/geo/www/garm.html Geographic Areas Reference Manual]
* {{Gutenberg author | id=25}}
* {{Internet Archive author |search=("Bureau of the Census" OR "USCB" OR "United States Census Bureau")}}
* {{Librivox author |id=10679}}

;72-year rule
* [https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/cff2.pdf PDF of Availability of Census Records About Individuals]
* [https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/grover-8-26-1952.pdf PDF of Letter from Census Bureau Director, Roy V. Peel to Archivist of the United States, Wayne C. Grover, concerning the 72-year lapse between collection and release of decennial census records]
* [https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/peel-10-10-1952.pdf PDF of Letter from Archivist of the United States, Wayne C. Grover to Census Bureau Director Roy V. Peel, in reply to Peel's August 1952 letter]

{{USCensus}}
{{USDC agencies}}
{{US Statistical Agencies}}
{{Regions of the United States}}
{{USCensus Geography}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:United States Census Bureau| ]]
[[Category:1903 establishments in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:United States census|Bureau]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1903]]
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[[Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Statistical organizations in the United States|Census Bureau]]
[[Category:Federal Statistical System of the United States|Census Bureau]]