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United States Census  Tags: census population demographics economic housing government statistics  

This research guide highlights the electronic and print resources published by the U.S. Census Bureau and select resources that accompany Census research.
Last update: Oct 28, 2009 URL: http://libguides.gwu.edu/USCensus  Print Guide  RSS Updates

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What is the Census anyway?

Most of the time, we think of the Census as being the total population count of the United States (or any area, for that matter). But, the Census Bureau-- a division of the Department of Commerce, actually collects and dissemenates data from several surveys, including:

  • Decennial Census of Population and Housing  
    Taken every ten years ending in a zero, it's mandated by the Constitution, partially in order to determine congressional representation and partly to figure out how to fund and organize social programs.
  • Economic Census  
    Occurs every five years ending in a 2 or a 7 and is used to determine the state of business in America.
  • American Community Survey  
    Occurs every year and is sent out to a smaller sample than the Decennial. The aim is to maintain data collection in between Decennial Censuses.
  • Population Reports  
    are published every year and include estimates and projections, as well as topic-specific reports
 

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