What We Do
Our Mission
The Census Bureau's mission is to serve as the nation’s leading provider of quality data about its people and economy.
Our Authority
Our goal is to provide the best mix of timeliness, relevancy, quality and cost for the data we collect and services we provide.
At a Glance
OCTOBER 24, 2017
U.S. Census Bureau at a Glance
The Census Bureau is dedicated to providing current facts and figures about America’s people, places, and economy.
What Data We Collect & When
American Community Survey (ACS)
The American Community Survey is the premier source for information about America's changing population, housing and workforce.
Census of Governments
Identifies the scope and nature of the nation's state and local government sector including public finance and public employment and classifications.
Decennial Census of Population and Housing
The U.S. census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years.
Economic Census
The Economic Census provides detailed information on employer businesses, including detailed data by industry, geography, and more.
Our Surveys & Programs
Our surveys provide periodic and comprehensive statistics about the nation. This data is critical for government programs, policies, and decision-making.
How Our Data Are Used
To determine the distribution of Congressional seats to states
Mandated by the U.S. Constitution
- Used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government
Find out about the 2020 Census Redistricting Data Program
To make planning decisions about community services
Such as where to:
- Provide services for the elderly
- Build new roads and schools
- Locate job training centers
To distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year
Census data informs how states and communities allocate funding for:
- Neighborhood improvements
- Public health
- Education
- Transportation
- Much more
To provide Age Search information
The Age Search service provides information for:
- Qualifying for Social Security and other retirement benefits
- Passport applications
- Proving relationship in settling estates
- Researching family history or a historical topic