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United States Census Bureau

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In the United States, the federal statistical system ( FSS ) refers to a decentralized network of federal agencies which produce data and official statistics about the people , economy , natural resources , and infrastructure of the country. It is led by the Chief Statistician of the United States (CSOTUS) and the Interagency Council on Statistical Policy, and is composed of 13 principal statistical agencies and 3 recognized statistical units, 24 Statistical Officials (across 24 major cabinet agencies), approximately 100 additional Federal statistical programs engaged in statistical activities, and several cross system interagency and advisory bodies.

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48-712: The United States Census Bureau ( USCB ), officially the Bureau of the Census , is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System , responsible for producing data about the American people and economy . The U.S. Census Bureau is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and its director is appointed by the President of the United States . Currently, Robert Santos is the Director of

96-647: A central office 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 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

144-637: 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

192-445: 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. The HHC

240-653: Is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health , education, transportation and more. The Census Bureau is mandated with fulfilling these obligations: the collecting of statistics about the nation, its people, and economy. The Census Bureau's legal authority is codified in Title 13 of the United States Code . The Census Bureau also conducts surveys on behalf of various federal government and local government agencies on topics such as employment, crime, health, consumer expenditures , and housing. Within

288-479: Is at stake, the census also runs the risk of being politicized." Such political tensions highlight the complexity of identity and classification ; some argue that unclear results from the population data "is due to distortions brought about by political pressures." One frequently used example includes ambiguous ethnic counts, which often involves underenumeration and/or undercounting of minority populations. Ideas about race, ethnicity and identity have also evolved in

336-655: Is attributable to the 2020 census, amounting to 54% of the FY20 budget. The federal statistical system is coordinated through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OMB establishes and enforces statistical policies and standards, ensures that resources are proposed for priority statistical programs, and approves statistical surveys conducted by the Federal government under the Paperwork Reduction Act . The Chief Statistician of

384-610: 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. 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

432-597: The Census Bureau one month from April 1, 1930, determined the resident population of the United States to be 122,775,046, an increase of 13.7 percent over the 106,021,537 persons enumerated during the 1920 census . It was the first time the effects of suburban sprawl were recorded when, during the Roaring Twenties , a significant portion of the working population of New York City moved to New Jersey , aided by

480-480: 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. The 1890 census was the first to use the electric tabulating machines invented by Herman Hollerith . For 1890–1940 details, see Truesdell, Leon E. (1965). The Development of Punch Card Tabulation in

528-556: The George Washington Bridge which permitted quick transport from the state to Manhattan . The 1930 census collected the following information: Full documentation for the 1930 census, including census forms and enumerator instructions, is available from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series . The original census enumeration sheets were microfilmed by the Census Bureau in 1949, after which

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576-532: The House of Representatives and, by extension, in the Electoral College . The Census Bureau now conducts a full 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. In addition, census data directly affects how more than $ 400 billion per year in federal and state funding

624-540: 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." Only after 72 years does

672-623: The Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) database system. 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. In July 2019,

720-891: The U.S. Department of Commerce included placing several statistical agencies under one umbrella. (millions) (millions) Note: Statisticians include statisticians and mathematical statisticians, and research scientists include health scientists, epidemiologists, and educational research scientists. Other statistical personnel may include social science analysts, social insurance administrators, economic assistants, geographers, spatial data analysts, program supervisors, program managers, program analysts, accountants, general engineers, mechanical engineers, writers and editors, visual designers, geologists, cartographers, librarians, operations research analysts, mathematicians, statistical assistants, transportation specialists, transportation industry analysts, and information technology managers—position. These are subcomponents of agencies recognized by

768-565: The 50 states and within the District of Columbia are included in the estimation. 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 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

816-529: The American economy in order to plan business decisions. Furthermore, economic and foreign trade indicators released by the federal government typically contain data produced by the Census Bureau. 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 set the number of members from each state in

864-426: The Bureau of the Census, 1890–1940: With outlines of actual tabulation programs . U.S. GPO . In 1946, knowing of the bureau's funding of Hollerith and, later, Powers , John Mauchly approached the bureau about early funding for UNIVAC development. A UNIVAC I computer was accepted by the bureau in 1951. Historically, the census information was gathered by census takers going door-to-door collecting information in

912-469: The Bureau pretests surveys and digital products before they are fielded and then evaluates them after they have been conducted. Federal Statistical System of the United States In contrast to many other countries, the United States does not have a primary statistical agency. Instead, the statistical system is decentralized, with 13 statistical agencies, two of which are independent agencies and

960-556: The CSOTUS, supports implementation of the statistical system's vision to operate as a seamless system, working together to provide strategic vision and robust implementation in support of the U.S. Federal statistical system's critical longstanding — and expanding — role for supporting evidence-based decision-making. For example, the ICSP sets strategic goals for modernizing the statistical system, as well as enhancing coordination and collaboration across

1008-452: 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. The new platform is data.census.gov. 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

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1056-513: The Current Surveys Program conduct over 130 ongoing and special surveys about people and their characteristics. 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: The Census Bureau also collects information on behalf of survey sponsors. These sponsors include

1104-616: The Federal statistical system and the broader Federal data community. The Federal Economic Statistics Advisory Committee (FESAC) advises the Directors of the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of the Census and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics on statistical methodology and other technical matters related to the collection, tabulation, and analysis of federal economic statistics. 1930 United States census The 1930 United States census , conducted by

1152-494: The HHC. Since the units were updated nightly with important changes and updates, operator implementation of proper procedure was imperative. 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, overcount, the use of technologies, multilingual research, and ways to reduce costs. In addition,

1200-549: The Justice Department and Selective Service system for the purpose of prosecutions for draft evasion. 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. United States census data are valuable for

1248-607: The OMB as having statistical work as part of their mission: Started in 1989, the Interagency Council on Statistical Policy (ICSP) was originally created to improve communication among the heads of the principal statistical agencies, and later was charged with advising and assisting the CSOTUS. The Evidence Act expanded membership to include the newly established Statistical Officials across major cabinet agencies, 11 of which are also heads of principal statistical agencies. The ICSP, led by

1296-531: The U.S. Census Bureau and Ron S. Jarmin is the Deputy Director. The Census Bureau's primary mission is conducting the U.S. census every ten years, which allocates the seats of the U.S. House of Representatives to the states based on their population. 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. The information provided by

1344-554: 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. The United States Census Bureau defines four statistical regions, with nine divisions. The Census Bureau regions are "widely used...for data collection and analysis". The Census Bureau definition is pervasive. The territories are not included, but the District of Columbia is. Regional divisions used by

1392-420: The United States , also housed within OMB, provides oversight, coordination, and guidance for Federal statistical activities, working in collaboration with leaders of statistical agencies. To streamline operations and reduce costs, several proposals have been made to consolidate the federal statistical system into fewer agencies, or even a single agency. In 2011, President Barack Obama 's proposal to reorganize

1440-481: The United States Census Bureau: The first census was collected in 1790 and published in 1791. It was 56 pages and cost $ 44,377.28. 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

1488-564: The United States, and such changes warrant examination of how these shifts have impacted the accuracy of census data over time. 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 U.S. Geological Survey and oversaw the creation of

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1536-556: 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. > The bureau operates regional offices in 6 cities: > New York City , Philadelphia , Chicago , Atlanta , Denver , and Los Angeles . The National Processing Center is in Jeffersonville, Indiana . Additional temporary processing facilities facilitate

1584-402: 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 marshals of the judicial districts . The Census Act of 1840 established

1632-587: The census informs decisions on where to build and maintain schools, hospitals, transportation infrastructure, and police and fire departments. In addition to the decennial census, the Census Bureau continually conducts over 130 surveys and programs a year, including the American Community Survey , the U.S. Economic Census , and the Current Population Survey . The U.S. Economic Census occurs every five years and reports on American Business and

1680-448: The country's political parties; Democrats and Republicans are highly interested in knowing the accurate number of persons in their respective districts. These insights are often linked to financial and economic strategies that are central to federal, state and city investments for locations of particular populations. Such apportionments are designed to distribute political power across neutral spatial allocations; however, "because so much

1728-500: 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

1776-472: The department. An act in 1920 changed the date and authorized manufacturing censuses every two years and agriculture censuses every 10 years. In 1929, a bill was passed mandating the House of Representatives be reapportioned based on the results of the 1930 census . In 1954, various acts were codified into Title 13 of the U.S. Code. By law, the Census Bureau must count everyone and submit state population totals to

1824-628: 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

1872-606: The government’s statistical work. A further 89 federal agencies were appropriated at least $ 500,000 of statistical work in FY11, FY12, or FY13 in conjunction with their primary missions. All together, the total budget allocated to the Federal Statistical System is estimated to be $ 6.7 billion for FY13. In FY20, FY21, and FY22, the total budgets allocated to the Federal Statistical System are estimated to be $ 12.0, $ 7.0, and $ 7.1 billion, respectively. The larger budget size of FY20

1920-429: The information collected become available to other agencies or the general public. Seventy-two years was picked because usually by 72 years since the census is taken, most participants would be deceased. 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

1968-635: The operation of 248 Area Census Offices, 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. 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. The Census Bureau also runs

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2016-531: The original sheets were destroyed. The microfilmed census is located on 2,667 rolls of microfilm, and available from the National Archives and Records Administration . Several organizations also host images of the microfilmed census online, and digital indices. Microdata from the 1930 census are freely available through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series . Aggregate data for small areas, together with electronic boundary files, can be downloaded from

2064-444: The populace's private information. 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. In rural areas, the sparsity of cell phone towers caused problems with data transmission to and from

2112-485: The remaining 11 generally located in different government departments. This structure keeps statistical work in close proximity to the various cabinet-level departments that use the information. In addition, three other statistical units of government agencies are recognized by the OMB as having statistical work as part of their mission. As of fiscal year 2013 (FY13), the 13 principal statistical agencies have statistical activities as their core mission and conduct much of

2160-408: The schedules, lists, or statements obtained for or prepared by the Census Bureau to any person or persons either during or after employment." 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

2208-610: The system, recognizing the efficiencies and advancements possible when taking advantage of the whole system's statistical infrastructure and expertise. The mission of the Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology (FCSM) includes advising the CSOTUS and ICSP on methodological and statistical issues that affect the quality of Federal data. The FCSM sponsors regular conferences, hosts seminars and workshops, sponsors interest groups on statistical methodology topics of broad Federal interest, and develops best practices and tools to support

2256-412: Was manufactured by Harris Corporation , an established Department of Defense contractor, via a controversial contract with the Department of Commerce . Secured access via a 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

2304-475: Was renamed the Midwest in 1984. Many federal, state, local and tribal governments use census data to: Census data is used to determine how seats of Congress are distributed to states. Census data is not used to determine or define race genetically, biologically or anthropologically. The census data is also used by the Bureau to obtain a real-time estimate in U.S. and World Population Clock. Only peoples whose live in

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