United States census

United States census
The Bureau of the Census is part of the United States Department of Commerce.
FrequencyDecennial
Location(s)4600 Silver Hill Rd.
Suitland, Maryland 20746
CountryUnited States
InauguratedAugust 2, 1790; 234 years ago (1790-08-02)
Most recentApril 1, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-04-01)
Next eventApril 1, 2030; 5 years' time (2030-04-01)
Websitewww.census.gov

The United States census (plural censuses or census) is a census that is legally mandated by the Constitution of the United States. It takes place every ten years. The first census after the American Revolution was taken in 1790 under Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. There have been 23 federal censuses since that time.[1] The census includes territories of the United States.[2] The United States Census Bureau is responsible for conducting the census.

The most recent national census took place in 2020; the next census is scheduled for 2030. Since 2013, the Census Bureau began discussions on using technology to aid data collection starting with the 2020 census.[3] In 2020, every household received an invitation to complete the census over the Internet, by phone or by paper questionnaire.[4][5] For years between the decennial censuses, the Census Bureau issues estimates made using surveys and statistical models, in particular, the Population Estimates Program and American Community Survey.

The United States census is distinct from the Census of Agriculture, which is no longer the responsibility of the Census Bureau. It is also distinct from local censuses conducted by some states or local jurisdictions.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference decennial was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "When was Puerto Rico first included in a census of the United States? - History". U.S. Census Bureau.
  3. ^ Morello, Carol (March 28, 2013). "2020 Census will be done by Internet". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  4. ^ Wang, Hansi Lo (March 31, 2019). "What You Need To Know About The 2020 Census". NPR. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  5. ^ "Ways to Respond". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 20, 2019.