Data from the decennial census plays a critical role in U.S. commerce and the economy by providing information on the population and demographics of our country. With the upcoming 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will conduct the most automated and technologically-advanced decennial census in history.

In addition, the annual release of detailed social, economic, and housing data from the American Community Survey—which replaced the decennial census’ long form in 2005—is used for a myriad of important decisions. People increasingly depend on Census Bureau population and income data to make decisions on business locations and investments in real estate. Communities rely on our data to measure the demand for housing, predict future needs, and identify trends.