The Decennial Census
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
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