In 2020, the United States conducted its decennial census. The U.S. Census is not only vital to our system of representative government, it is essential to our understanding of who we are as a country. This guide will explore both its history and myriad uses in public policy, research, education and more.
The U.S. Census is a constitutionally-mandated count of persons dwelling in the United States The count includes citizens, non-citizen legal residents, non-citizen long-term visitors and undocumented immigrants.
In addition to its primary purpose of reapportioning the House of Representatives, census data are used for a wide variety of applications, including:
Source: U.S. Census
Worried about the security of your personal data? Here are just some of the ways the Census Bureau protects your information:
All these protocols and more are enforced by federal law.
Source: U.S. Census; image courtesy Pixabay
Confused about what's involved in participating in the U.S. Census? Check the U.S. Census website for answers to your questions, including what to expect, how to verify or complete a Census survey, and how your personal information is secured and protected.
There has been much misinformation on social media regarding the U.S. Census. Below are ten quick facts that should help alleviate any confusion.
Source: NPR
The U.S. Census contains a vast amount of data, but it's often overlooked as a resource both because researchers may not be aware of what's in it and because navigating it may seem complicated. Below are links to some stories about how Census data can help us understand the complexity of our ever-evolving country.
Source: U.S. Census