The Decennial Census

The Decennial Census

The Decennial Census

May 7, 2026 (IG10097)

Summary

Information as of May 7, 2026. Prepared by Taylor R. Knoedl, Analyst in American National Government and Jamie Bush,

Visualization Information Specialist. For more information see CRS Report IF12909, The Decennial Census of Population and

Housing: An Overview.

The Decennial Census

The U.S. Census Bureau provides statistical data about the nation's people and economy through over 130

different surveys, including its foundational survey: the decennial census. The decennial census is mandated

by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, in order to determine each state's apportionment of seats in the

House of Representatives.

Preparing for and conducting the decennial census typically takes over ten years, beginning the prior decade and

extending into the next decade.

Phone

Mail

Enumerators went door-to-door to

complete the Census Bureau's nonresponse

follow up (NRFU) operation for respondents

that did not self-respond to the survey.

Online

• Determine initial

timelines and testing

schedule

• Other relevant

research to support

decennial census

operations

• Begin initial design

research and testing

• Engage with public on

planning

• Complete initial

operations design

• Continue research and

testing, including

large-scale tests

• Finalize operational

planning, supported

by results from

large-scale testing

• Conduct the decennial

census; initial release of data

and products, including

reapportionment totals and

redistricting data

• Conduct close-out activities,

including the

post-enumeration survey

(PES)

Data Collection

The Census Bureau collected responses to

the decennial census survey using three

initial methods in 2020. Collected data are

protected by confidentiality standards in

Titles 13 and 44 of the U.S. Code.

67%

Data Tabulation and Product Release

The Census Bureau aims to enumerate every person within the United States and its territories.

Census Bureau President Congress

State Population Counts for

Reapportionment

13 U.S.C. §141(b)

Post-Enumeration Survey (PES)

The Census Bureau conducts a Post-Enumeration

Survey at the conclusion of the decennial census

to assess the accuracy of the decennial census.

Early Planning Design Selection Development &

Integration

Peak Production

& Close-out

53.6%

33%

12.1%

1.3%

Data sent to states for redistricting

States receive demographic data for redistricting,

which includes voting age population, geographic

data, and data on other variables.

Data Tables & Products

Data from the decennial census are used for many

purposes, including to inform various policy

decisions, guide federal funding, oer the public

insights on population trends, and help the private

sector make informed business decisions.

Timeline

Data Collection

2019 - 2021 2021 - 2024 2025 - 2029 2029 - 2033

Enumerator

Separate from initial three methods

Data collected are protected by confidentiality standards in Titles 13 and 44 of the U.S. Code.

Population counts are used for

reapportionment of seats in the

House of Representatives. This

primarily consists of total

residents of each state. For more

information, please see CRS

Report: Apportionment and

Redistricting Process for the U.S.

House of Representatives.

Privacy Enhancing

Techniques