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To correct this issue and properly display American FactFinder, you can clear the browser cache as follows:

(Note: IE 8, 9, and 10 users may also need to set the Compatibility View, see instructions below)

In FireFox 10:

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Compatibility View for IE 8, 9, and 10

If you are using IE 8, 9, or 10, and American FactFinder still does not display properly, you can set your browsers Compatibility View as follows:

Tools -> If Compatibility View is not greyed out, click on Compatibility View so that it is checked; If it is greyed out, click on Compatibility View Settings, and enter “http://factfinder2.census.gov” to the ‘Add this website:’ textbox -> Add -> Close.

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In Firefox 3.5 and above for Windows or Mac OS X:
Tools  -> Clear Recent History (OR for Windows – Select the History menu from the orange Firefox button in Firefox 4 and above) -> From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu select the desired range to clear; To clear your entire cache, select Everything -> Click the down arrow next to "Details" -> check Browsing & Download History, Form & Search History, Cookies, and Cache -> Clear Now.

In Chrome:
Enter:  chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in the browser bar -> Select the items you want to clear (e.g., Clear browsing history, Clear download history, Empty the cache, Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data) -> Select the period of time to clear your cache in the Obliterate the following items from: drop-down menu (Note: to clear your entire cache, select the beginning of time) -> Clear browsing data.

In Safari:
Safari menu -> Reset Safari... -> Select the items you want to reset -> Reset. (Note: As of Safari 5.1, Remove all website data will include both cookies and cache).

Keywords:

Troubleshooting, browser

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Yes. Responding to the American Community Survey (ACS) is about helping national, tribal, state and local officials make informed decisions with timely and accurate data. Just as people are required to respond to jury duty, get a driver’s license in order to drive, pay their taxes and report their income, they also have the obligation to respond to decennial census surveys.

The ACS is conducted under the authority of Title 13, United States Code (U.S.C.), Sections 141 and 193, and response is required by law.  According to Section 221, persons who do not respond shall be fined not more than $100.  Title 18 U.S.C. Section 3571 and Section 3559, in effect amend Title 13 U.S.C. Section 221 by changing the fine for anyone over 18 years old who refuses or willfully neglects to complete the questionnaire or answer questions posed by census takers from a fine of not more than $100 to not more than $5,000.

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You can get population and housing data for Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) from a variety of Census Bureau sources.

• 2010 Census: Provides ZCTA-level information on a limited range of demographic variables such as race, sex, age, housing tenure (that is, rent or own), and ethnicity (Hispanic/Latino origin). 
  
  
• American Community Survey (ACS): Produces a wide range of estimates on topics such as; income, poverty, educational attainment, disability, marital status, and much more. ACS plans to release ZCTA level estimates for the first time in late 2012 based on the 2007-2011 ACS 5-year estimates.  
  
  
• 2000 Census. Provides statistics with detailed characteristics at the ZCTA-level including; race, age, sex, tenure, income, educational attainment, disability, marital status, etc. 
  
  
• 1990 Census: You can download ZCTA data from the FTP site (Summary Tape File 3B), or order a CD-ROM containing the data. (Not available through American FactFinder.)

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Although censuses are a source of genealogical information, the Census Bureau does not provide these data nor can we assist in locating missing persons or provide recent information on individuals.  In keeping with the Census Bureau's commitment to confidentiality, information collected in the Decennial Census of Population and Housing on individuals does not become available to the public until after a period of 72 years.

Geneaology Tips will help amateur genealogists use census records to fill out their family tree.

You can access personal census records from the 1930 census and earlier through the U.S. National Archvies and Records Administration (http://www.archives.gov/index.html) . Information on all aspects of how to do a genealogical search and National Archives locations are available.  The 1940 census records will be released to the public on April 2, 2012. 

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Yes, we have detailed import and export data available through an on line subscription service. 

The 2007 subscription is now an on line service.  Currently, the 2006 subscription series on DVD prices are listed below.   Contact Me If This Answer Changes. 

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• Select Advanced Search.
• Click the Geographies button located below Topics (left side of page).
• On the top of the window select the Name tab.
• In the text box, type "All Census Tracts within___" (Fill the blank with the name of a County Subdivision or a Place for the blank.) Click "Go".
• If your town is a County Subdivision, select the geography labeled "All Census Tracts (or parts) within City, County, State" from the Geography Results. If your town is a place select the geography labeled "All Census Tracts (or parts) full-or-partially within City, State" from the Geography Results.
• Close the Geographies Search window.
• Use the Topics on the left side of the page to further refine your search or to select a table(s) from your Search Results.
  

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If someone has contacted you about the American Community Survey and you would like to verify that the visit or phone call you received was legitimate, you may call your Census Regional office. You can find contact information for your Census Regional office at http://www.census.gov/regions/.

In order to collect the required American Community Survey (ACS) data, we use a multi-part strategy, including Internet, mail, telephone calls, and personal visits.

• First, we send a letter to let you know your address has been selected for the ACS.
• Then most respondents receive instructions to complete the ACS online. If the survey is not completed, we send you a replacement questionnaire in about two weeks.
• If we still do not receive a completed survey, we may attempt to call you from one of our call centers. You may also receive a telephone call if you completed the survey, but clarification is needed on the information you provided.
• If we cannot reach you by phone, we may send a Census interviewer to your address to complete the interview in person.

Interviewers may visit you or attempt to call you after normal business hours when it is more likely you will be at home.

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The American Community Survey (ACS) asks for individuals' names for two reasons.  First, we have found over many years of research that it is easier for a respondent to keep track of which person they are answering for if the names are used.  If you are interrupted while completing the survey, it will be easier to resume if you know which person you were working on - particularly in larger households.

The second reason is administrative.  In some instances, responses are difficult to interpret, or missing critical information. If we have the name and phone number of the person who completed the survey, we can call to collect missing information or ask for clarification.  By having the other names, we can more easily refer to specific information.

Without the name and phone number, we would have to send someone to an address to gather the information - which is more expensive than a phone call. 

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From the Main Page (factfinder2.census.gov):

• Enter the name of your state, county, city, town, or zip code in the text box located under Community Facts.
• Click Go.
• The population for your area will be displayed.
• To find other popular facts about your area select one of the blue boxes located on the left.

Note: If the city, town or county displayed is not the one you are looking for you can either modify your entry (i.e. instead of Atlanta; type Atlanta, GA) or click the link “We found more results for your geography search” located under the geography name.

Additional tools are available such as Population Finder and Quick Facts on http://www.census.gov.

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In addition to our Selected Historical Decennial Census Population and Housing Counts, 1790 to 1990, for all geographic areas in the United States, there are three major sources of historical decennial census data:

• Historical Census Reports - Contains scanned copies of all decennial census printed reports from 1790 to 2000 in PDF   or ZIP format.  Any data missing from these files may be requested by contacting the Main Census Bureau Library on 301-763-2511.
• Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000  - This report includes the census questionnaire and instructions for each census and individual census histories are also provided.
• Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970 - This section provides data from the Statistical Abstracts from 1900 to 2010, the Bicentennial Edition, Part 1  and Part 2  , and Historical Statistics for the U.S.from 1789 to 1945

In addition to the above, the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) (http://www.fdlp.gov/)  provides local access for census data users.  Libraries designated as FDLPs maintain census publications and products as part of their existing collection and are responsible for assuring that the public has free access to these materials.  Each Congressional District has at least one FDLP.  Libraries identified as Regional Depository Libraries (one per state) have extensive collections of census publications and electronic products.  Other FDLPs often have a more limited selection.

[PDF] or denotes a file in Adobe's Portable Document Format. To view the file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from Adobe.

This page contains one or more links, denoted by this symbol , which are not part of the Census Bureau Web site and do not imply endorsement of any particular product, company, or content.

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The Census Bureau publishes ACS data in tables on the American FactFinder website. From there, you can choose from a variety of table types, including Data Profiles, Geographic Comparison Tables, and more.

Other data options include:

• Summary File

• Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) files

• Downloadable data via FTP

To learn more about these options, visit the Data & Documentation page on the ACS website.

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The apportionment counts will be delivered to the President within nine months of Census Day (on or before December 31, 2010), as required by law. This report will show the apportionment population counts, by state, and the number of seats in the US House of Representatives apportioned to each state.

Public Law (P.L.) 94-171 requires the Census Bureau to provide only counts of the total population for a variety of geographic areas to be used for the redistricting process. In addition, other data items such as race, ethnicity, voting age and housing unit tallies are included in this data set. P.L. 94-171 also requires that these data be delivered to each state no later than April 1, 2011.

Other 100-percent data products such as demographic profiles, summary files of aggregated data, and reports will be released on a flow basis from April 2011 through September 2013. Please see the link below for a more detailed schedule of products and release dates.

2010 Census Data Products

More detailed population and housing information is available from the American Community Survey.

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Dynamically generated tables, maps, and files from American FactFinder:
(Use semicolons to separate elements)

1. U.S. Census Bureau;
2. Name of the database or other data repository/source (e.g., American FactFinder), set off by quotation marks, or follow publication citation style;
3. The name of the person who generates the tabulation, etc., e.g., "generated by John Smith;"
4. The name of the software package used to generate the tabulation, if known, e.g., "using American FactFinder;"
5. The URL of the application software's main or first page set off by angle brackets, e.g., <http://factfinder2.census.gov>;
6. The date, within parenthesis, when the user generated the tabulation, e.g., (7 January 2012).

For a reference map in American FactFinder:

• U.S. Census Bureau; generated by Jane Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder2.census.gov>; (12 February 2012).

For a thematic map in American FactFinder
(Find the specific survey or census, data set and matrix number under the map image):

• U.S. Census Bureau; Census 2000, Summary File 1, Matrix P7; generated by Joe Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder2.census.gov>; (15 February 2012).

Examples:

• U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table GCT0101; generated by John Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder2.census.gov>; (7 January 2012).
• U.S. Census Bureau; Census 2000, Summary File 1, Table P001; generated by Jane Jones; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder2.census.gov>; (20 February 2012)
• U.S. Census Bureau; 2010 Census Summary File 1; Tables P1 and QT-P1; generated by John Smith; using American FactFinder; <http://factfinder2.census.gov>; (12 December 2011).

Other Sources for Citation Styles:

• Library of Congress
• Internet Public Library

Keywords: reference, citation, credit, source,

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• As of April 2, 2012, at 9 a.m. users will be able to search the 1940 Census schedules, free of charge, at <http://1940census.archives.gov>.
  
  
• More information on how to use the records is available at <http://www.archives.gov/research/census/1940/start-research.html>.
  
  
• For the release of the 1940 Census online, the National Archives has digitized the entire census, creating more than 3.8 million digital images of census schedules, maps, and enumeration district descriptions.
  
  
• View the Census Bureau’s interactive 1940 Census Web page.
  

• Instructions to Enumerators Providing Information on Codes and Abbreviations
• Genealogy
• Reports and statistics from the 1940 Census

Keywords: genealogy, ancestry, 1930, 1950

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On the American Community Survey (ACS), if no one in your household knows the answer to a question, and the information cannot be referenced in a bill or other document, please give your best estimate.

Thank you for the time that you spend completing the survey; we greatly appreciate your taking the time to provide accurate and complete data for your household.

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The Census Bureau provides first and surname data that may be of interest to people seeking genealogy, family name, or given name information from the following decennial censuses:  

• Frequently Occurring Surnames From Census 2000,
• Frequently Occurring First Names and Surnames From the 1990 Census, and 
• Spanish surname list from the 1990 Census.

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Our telephone representatives attempt to call households to collect important survey information. If someone has contacted you about the American Community Survey and you would like to verify that the phone call you received was legitimate, you may call one of our call centers directly:

• Hagerstown, MD: 1-800-392-6975
• Jeffersonville, IN: 1-800-523-3205
• Tucson, AZ: 1-800-642-0469

In order to collect the required American Community Survey (ACS) data, we use a multi-part strategy, including Internet, mail, telephone calls, and personal visits.

• First, we send a letter to let you know your address has been selected for the ACS.
• Then most respondents receive instructions to complete the ACS online. If the survey is not completed, we send you a replacement questionnaire in about two weeks.
• If we still do not receive a completed survey, we may attempt to call you from one of our call centers. You may also receive a telephone call if you completed the survey, but clarification is needed on the information you provided.
• If we cannot reach you by phone, we may send a Census interviewer to your address to complete the interview in person.

Telephone interviewers may attempt to call you after normal business hours when it is more likely you will be at home. 

Keywords: scam, bogus

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Here are three options:

• Call the Commodity Analysis Branch at 800-549-0595, and press 2 from the main menu.
• Send email inquiries Mr. Paul Herrick at paul.e.herrick@census.gov .
• For help with import classification, you must contact your local Customs.
  

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Download from Search Results (without viewing table):

• Up to 10 tables at one time
• Up to 50,000 geographies for a table
• Up to 500,000 rows of data

Note:

1. The sum of all cities or towns in the USA is less than 50,000 geographies.
2. For downloads larger than 50,000 geographies or 500,000 rows, please use the ftp site.
3. To download a table for only one geography or population group at a time, such as the Data Profiles, you can calculate the total number of rows in that table by multiplying the number of geographies or population groups by the number of rows in the table.  For example, a table that has ten rows and ten geographies is equivalent to 100 total rows.
   

Download from Table View:

• Tables can be downloaded in
• database-compatible (.csv) and
• presentation-ready (.pdf, .rtf & .xls) formats.

Note:  Using the csv format, your Geographies will be on the “Y” Axis, i.e. left side of the table.

• Limits for .pdf & .rtf formats are:
• 5,000 columns and
• 5,000 data rows.
• Limits for .xls are:
• 230 columns and 5,000 rows.
• If the table has more than 230 columns, and fewer rows, select Modify Table to transpose rows and columns to conform to the .xls requirements.
• Using the "View All" option, you can download up to 3 tables at one time in a pdf format.  The row and column limits are the same as above.
• Using the Download button, you can only download the table you are viewing.  If the table is too large to download in a presentation-ready format, you will be prompted to download in a database-compatible (.csv) format.
  
  
  

Please check back for updates, as we upgrade download capabilities frequently.

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The information that was previously found on the FactSheet is now available through Community Facts:

• From the Main page (factfinder2.census.gov) use the text box under Community Facts:
• Type in your city, town, county, state, or zip code.  Click GO
• The total population for your area will be displayed
• To find out more information about your area click the blue tabs on the left or click the blue popular table links.

Quick Facts is also available for communities with a population over 5,000. A link for Quick Facts is located in Community Facts on the bottom right of the page. Here you can select a state, city or county to find information.

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Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs) are non-overlapping areas that partition each state into areas containing about 100,000 residents. PUMAs were developed to be the most detailed geographic area available in the Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS). Because the State Data Centers (SDCs) and their partner organizations help define these areas for the Census Bureau, they should be meaningful to many data users.

PUMA boundaries are updated with each decennial census in cooperation with the SDCs. For more information, visit the 2010 Public Use Microdata Areas page. American Community Survey PUMS files will begin to use the new 2010 PUMA boundaries for PUMS data released in 2013.

PUMA Mapping Resources

• Detailed maps of state PUMA boundaries are available on the Census 2000 Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA) Maps page.
• Information on the geographic concepts (i.e. counties, county subdivisions, places, and census tracts) located within each PUMA is available on our FTP site. First, select your state of interest, then pick the text file PUMEQ5-XX.TXT, where XX is your state's 2 letter abbreviation. For example, if you select Michigan as your state of interest, the corresponding text file is PUMEQ5-MI.TXT
• PUMA boundary files are available to download on the Census 2000 Public Use Microdata Area-5 Percent Cartographic Boundary Files page.

PUMAs were first made available in the 2005 ACS 1-year PUMS files and have been included in every PUMS release since then. ACS PUMS files from 2000-2004 did not include the PUMA variable.

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The 2010 Census data will be disseminated mainly through American FactFinder beginning in January of 2011. Visit American Factfinder on the Census Bureau's website (click on the American FactFinder link on the left side of the page). Data will include demographic profiles, summary files of aggregated data, and reports. Data also will be available on DVD and in printed reports.

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Our statistical compendia volumes (see below) do contain some copyrighted material.  In the event you wish to publish these data or tables, you should contact the cited company or agency for permission.  Go to the bottom of the table to see if "copyright" is included in the footnote.  Our statistical compendia publications include:

• Statistical Abstract of the United States 
• County and City Data Book  
• State and Metropolitan Area Data Book 
• USA Counties
  

Keywords: citation, reference,

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Our web site on Poverty provides data links to all of the sources of poverty data that are published by the Census Bureau.  These include data from the Current Population Survey (CPS), the American Community survey (ACS), Census 2000, and other data sources.  Also, you can access Detailed and Historical Poverty tables from this page.

• The Current Population Survey collects national and state poverty data through our annual report "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2008".  Tables can be produced for the U.S. and states and Detailed Tables for the nation.

The following sites require using our data access tool "American FactFinder." If you need assistance you may call the Customer Liaison and Marketing Services Office at 1-800-923-8282 or (301) 763-INFO (4636).

• American Community Survey (ACS): Estimates for the United States, Puerto Rico, all states, Congressional Districts, and geographic areas of 65,000 or more are released annually in the ACS 1-year estimates.  Data for all geographic areas of 20,000 or more are available annually from the ACS 3-year estimates.  Data for geographic areas as small as tracts and block groups are available annually from the ACS 5-year estimates.  Learn more about the ACS on our website and access our estimates via American FactFinder.
  
  
• 2000 Census on Population and Housing - Poverty data are provided from Summary File 3 and Summary File 4 for all geographic areas in the U.S.  You can also access 1990 Census data using Summary Tape File 3.  The census does provide poverty data tables for all geographies down to the block group level and all ZIP Code Tabulation Areas in the U.S.

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Addresses selected for the American Community Survey (ACS) come from the Census Bureau’s Master Address File (MAF). The MAF is the Census Bureau’s official inventory of known living quarters and selected nonresidential units in the United States and Puerto Rico.  Each scientifically selected address represents other households in the surrounding community.

Interviewing a small sample of addresses, 3.5 million, rather than all addresses in the United States, allows the Census Bureau  to measure the whole population while limiting the cost of the survey and reducing the overall impact on respondents.

For more detailed information, please visit:
http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Downloads/survey_methodology/acs_design_methodology_ch04.pdf

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For help with import classification, you must contact your local customs office.  For exports, follow the steps below:

1. From the Schedule B page, select "Search" underneath the heading "Schedule B Export Codes".
   
2. Enter a keyword to describe your product.  Use no more than one or two words at a time.  You may need to try this part several times.  Be flexible; try different forms of the same word or synonyms. (For example, if "medicine" does not produce the desired results, try "medicament", instead.)
   
3. The search engine retrieves HS descriptions and codes at the six-digit level.  Click on the corresponding code for the description that best matches your product.
   
4. This brings you to the four-digit heading within the Schedule B chapter.  Read the heading description to make sure that you are looking in the correct area.
   
5. Scroll down to the six-digit HS subheading and verify that the description is also appropriate.
   
6. To locate your ten-digit Schedule B number, read through the descriptions under that subheading, paying attention to indentations and groupings.

For example, entering the keyword "software" pulls up 852431 through 852499, and clicking on the numbers brings you into Chapter 85 at heading 8524, where you can read through the descriptions under the suggested subheadings to find the right Schedule B number.

Please note that the Schedule B manual includes explanatory information such as Section Notes, Statistical Notes and Chapter Notes that should be examined to confirm the proper classification of your product.

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The Census Bureau provides data on ancestry from the following sources:

• The American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates provide the most current ancestry data available for the U.S., states, and geographic areas of 65,000 or more population.  The ACS 3-year estimates provide data for all geographic areas of 20,000 or more population.
• Decennial censuses:  2000, 1990, and 1980 ancestry data are avalable, including census briefs and tables for the U.S. and states.  You can also access 2000 ancestry tables for all geographic areas using American FactFinder.  Both 1990 and 1980 can be accessed from the historical decennial census reports.  Data on ancestry was first collected in the 1980 census.

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We understand concerns about identity theft and privacy. We will ensure that only authorized persons with a work-related need-to-know view your personal information. When we process the information collected by the American Community Survey (ACS), individuals’ names and other personal identifiers are deleted from the files used to tabulate these data. We do not maintain a national database with the names, addresses, and personal information collected by the ACS.

Additionally, we employ statistical methodologies to ensure that the statistics we release do not identify individuals or businesses. These methods include extensive review and analysis of all our data products, as well as disclosure avoidance methodologies (such as data suppression and modification) to screen out data that might identify a specific individual or business.

Please note that the ACS does not ask for Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden name, or specific information regarding bank accounts or credit cards—the information typically used for identity theft.

If you are reluctant to complete the survey online or by mail, you may call 1-800-354-7271 to complete the survey over the phone.

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Yes, the U.S. Census Bureau produces data by single year of age:

• The U.S. Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program produces monthly population estimates by single year of age for the United States and annual population by single year of age for all states.
• The Census 2000 also has single years of age data for several levels of geography. (FAQ 225)

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The ACS is a legitimate survey that is part of the Decennial Census Program.  It is a survey sent to a small percentage of our population on a rotating basis.  The ACS collects detailed information on the characteristics of our population and housing.  These data were previously collected only in census years in conjunction with the decennial census.  Since the ACS is conducted every year, rather than once every ten years, it provides more current estimates throughout the decade. 

Estimates from the ACS contribute to providing an important picture of America, and an accurate response to the ACS questionnaire is important.  When used in conjunction with the most recently available decennial census counts, information from the ACS documents how we live as a nation, including our education, housing, jobs, and many other issues. 

Questions in the ACS are required to manage or evaluate federal and state government programs. For example, information on income is required for use by the Social Security Act, the National School Lunch Program, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, and the U.S. Department of Education for grant allocation. Journey-to-work information is used by federal, state, and local transportation planning agencies in designing regional transportation systems. Information on language spoken at home is used under the Voting Rights Act to assess the fairness of voting practices in governmental subdivisions.

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The four summary files below for Census 2000 are among the most detailed data products available from the population and housing census.

• Summary File 1 (SF 1) and Summary File 2 (SF 2) focus on the information collected on the census short form – namely on age, sex, race, Hispanic/Latino origin, households, families, housing units, and owner/renter status.
  
  
• Summary File 3 (SF 3) and Summary File 4 (SF 4) focus on social, economic and housing characteristics compiled from a sample of approximately 19 million housing units (about 1 in 6 households) that received the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire.Topics include income, education, occupation, ancestry, disability, foreign birth, commuting, household financial arrangements, year housing structure built and many other population and housing subjects. 

The data in all four files are readily accessible in American FactFinder and also can be obtained  on DVD or CD-ROM from the Customer Services Center at 1-800-923-8282 or (301) 763-INFO (4636).

All four files show data for states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, counties, county subdivisions, cities, American Indian and Alaska Native areas, Hawaiian Home Lands, and census tracts. SF 1 has the most geographic detail, with data for census block groups and blocks; SF 3 has data for block groups. Both SF 1 and SF 3 have data for ZIP Code Tabulation Areas®, Congressional districts, and metropolitan areas.

SF 1 and SF 3 have data on a larger set of topics than do SF 2 and SF 4. What makes SF 2 and SF 4 special is the vast data on population subgroups found on these files.

SF 2 repeats tables for up to 249 race (e.g., Black, Chinese, Asian Indian, etc.) and Hispanic/Latino groups (e.g., Mexican, Cuban, Salvadoran, etc.), as well as American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. SF 4 repeats tables for these groups and also for up to 86 ancestry groups. 

• Scroll down for other Summary Files from Census 2000.
• Special tabulations cover topics not found in the standard files.

If you want to get started, the Census 2000 Gateway page is a good place to find links to Census 2000 data and reference information.

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There are a number of options for getting maps.

• You can get data display maps based on the population estimates for states and counties. In addition, check out our Census 2000 Profiles and our publication "Mapping Census 2000: The Geography of Diversity,  available online in PDF. 
  
  
• The American FactFinder allows users to create thematic maps for a variety of topics; check out the Fact Sheets for some of the most popular ones.
  
  
• The Census Atlas of the United States, a map book with thematic maps based on data from Census 2000 and earlier censuses is available from the Government Printing Office.
  
  
• For additional thematic maps and other kinds of maps, visit our Map Products page online.

Contact the Customer Liaison Marketing Services Customer Services Center for more information at 1-800-923-8282 or (301) 763-INFO (4636).

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The Census Bureau conducted censuses of religious bodies at 10-year intervals from 1906 through 1936. The results were published with statistics on topics such as the number of members in congregations, number of church edifices, seating capacity, value and debt on church property, and so forth. The census publications varied with the first two having volumes of reports and the 1926 and 1936 censuses releasing a Summary report and a second volume made up of individual reports on the denominations listed in the census. See our detailed listing of reports from past censuses (1790 on).

There also was a survey of religious affiliation done as part of the Current Population Survey in 1957 with the results published in a report entitled, "Religion Report by the Civilian Population of the United States, March 1957." The Census of Religious Bodies began as a few questions on the Social Statistics form of the 1850 census. When the Bureau became permanent in 1902, it became possible to separate some data collection from the decennial census. The Census of Religious Bodies was a stand-alone census taken every  10 years between 1906 and 1936. Data were collected in 1946 but the funding for tabulation was not forthcoming. The entire census was eliminated in the mid 1950's. Copies of the report are in the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (http://www.nara.gov).

The U.S. Census Bureau does not collect data on religious affiliation in its demographic surveys or decennial census. Public Law 94-521 prohibits us from asking a question on religious affiliation on a mandatory basis; in some person or household surveys, however, the U.S. Census Bureau may collect information about religious practices, on a voluntary basis. Therefore, the U.S. Census Bureau is not the source for information on religion, nor is the Census Bureau the source for information on religious affiliation. Some statistics on religion can be found in the Statistical Abstract of the United States, Section 1, Population.  In addition, we do provide a list of contacts for further assistance regarding religious information.

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If you are completing a paper questionnaire, use a pen with blue or black ink, or a #2 pencil. For more information on how to respond or get help with your form, visit the About the Survey section of the ACS Web page.

Some people may also be able to complete the survey online. To find out if you are eligible, call 1-800-354-7271. Thank you for responding.

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U.S. federal government agencies must adhere to standards issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in October 1997, which specify that  race  and Hispanic origin (also known as ethnicity) are two separate and distinct concepts.  These standards generally reflect a social definition of race and ethnicity recognized in this country and they do not conform to any biological, anthropological, or genetic criteria.  The standards include five minimum categories for data on race:  "American Indian or Alaska Native," "Asian," "Black or African American," "Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander," and "White."  There are two minimum categories for data on ethnicity:  "Hispanic or Latino" and "Not Hispanic or Latino."  The concept of race reflects self-identification by people according to the race or races with which they most closely identify.  Persons who report themselves as Hispanic can be of any race and are identified as such in our data tables. The following sources provide data on race and Hispanic origin population:

• Population estimates by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin are produced annually for the U.S., states, and counties. Historical data are also provided in the Archive Files.  Population projections out to 2050 are provided by race and Hispanic origin for the nation.
• The Current Population Survey (CPS) provides national level data on the social, economic, and demographic characteristics of selected race groups, both current and past.  Tables on the Hispanic population in the U.S are also available, both current and past.
• The American Community Survey (ACS) provides sample data from the 1-year or 3-year estimates based on population size.  Selected Population Profiles (select from the right side) enable you to select characteristics by Race or Ethnic Groups (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, etc.)and by Country of Birth.
• Census 2000 and 1990 census data on race are also available as well as the Hispanic population.  In addition, data can be accessed for Census 2000 using American FactFinder and Summary File 2 and Summary File 4.
• Census 2000 brief   "Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin" describes these concepts and also provides how the race categories used in Census 2000 were defined on page 2.

[PDF] or denotes a file in Adobe's Portable Document Format. To view the file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from Adobe.

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Census 2000 Census Tract Outline Maps delineate census tract boundaries within counties, as well as boundaries for political areas such as cities. They do not show smaller area entities such as block groups or blocks. Available on a county-by-county basis, tract maps are our most popular map series. Users filing Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) reports or applying for Community Redevelopment Act grants find these maps especially useful.

Block maps are the most detailed maps, showing all geographic areas down to the level of census blocks. If you are not working with block groups or blocks, you will find it easier to work with the simpler, less detailed tract maps. On block maps, all streets are shown; on tract maps, only streets coinciding with tract boundaries are shown.

Both Census Tract Outline Maps and Census Block Maps may be viewed on the Census Bureau's Web site. Under "Census Tract Outline Maps" and "Census Block Maps," click on "2000" to access the maps in PDF format. You can purchase these map sets in print from the Customer Services Center at 1-800-923-8282 or (301)763-INFO (4636).

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From the American FactFinder Main Page:

• Using Community Facts, type in your Zip Code and click “Go.”
• The total population is displayed in the blue box.
• To find more information about a Zip Code, use the blue boxes on the left side or select one of the popular tables.
  

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We ask these questions because federal and state government require the data that we collect to manage or evaluate programs.  For example, information about utilities is used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to administer their programs.  Journey-to-work information, such as what time you leave your home, is used by federal and state government transportation planning agencies for roads and public transit development. 

Read more about the purposes of each question at: http://www.census.gov/acs/www/about_the_survey/questions_and_why_we_ask/.

Please note that the topics on the American Community Survey (ACS) are nearly identical to those topics asked in the 2000 Census long form questionnaire.   

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In order to get trade information, you need to be able to correctly classify your product.  There are many ways to classify goods that are imported and exported.  In each of these systems, the products have specific commodity numbers that indicate various levels of detail.

All U.S. trade data is based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS), a series of 10-digit codes. These HTS codes fall under one of two categories: durable goods and non-durable goods. Browse our list of Schedule B export codes  or call our Commodity Analysis Branch to find your product codes.

Once you have the commodity codes, contact our Data Dissemination Branch to order a customized report.

NOTE on Internet availability: There is limited availability of trade data from our web site.  It is available free of charge via more general classification codes (SITC and NAICS).  The most detailed data is available through our Data Dissemination Branch and our online service, USATrade Online, for a fee.

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The types of products are the same. We expect to release summary files, profiles, and reports. However, the design of these products will be different, but we hope to provide as much comparability to Census 2000 as possible. The main difference is that the 2010 Census data products contain data derived from the short-form census questionnaire: age, sex, race, Hispanic or Latino origin, relationship, housing tenure (owner- and renter-occupied housing units) as opposed to more characteristics captured from the long-form in the past census. Current data on the traditional census long-form subjects are available from the American Community Survey.

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You must think about the balance between currency and sample size/reliability/precision. The 1-year and 3-year estimates are more current than the 5-year estimates. However, the 5-year estimates have a larger sample size and are therefore usually more precise than the 1-year or 3-year estimates. The increased precision of a 5-year estimate may be particularly important if you are studying a small area or a small population subgroup.

For more detailed information, visit When to use 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year estimates on the American Community Survey (ACS) website.

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The Census Bureau provides data on educational attainment from the following sources:

• American Community Survey (ACS): Estimates for the United States, Puerto Rico, all states, Congressional Districts, and geographic areas of 65,000 or more are released annually in the ACS 1-year estimates.  Data for all geographic areas of 20,000 or more are available annually from the ACS 3-year estimates.  Data for geographic areas as small as tracts and block groups are available annually from the ACS 5-year estimates.  Learn more about the ACS on our website and access our estimates via American FactFinder.
  
  
• The Current Population Survey (CPS). This survey collects annual data on educational attainment for the nation and from the CPS Data Tables, Products, and Reports as well as historical reports for the U.S. and states.  The CPS report A Half-Century of Learning: Historical Statistics on Educational Attainment in the United States: 1940 to 2000 is also an excellent source of data.
  
  
• 2000 Census of Population and Housing.  Educational attainment are available for all geographic areas.  Our Census 2000 brief Educational Attainment: 2000 provides information at the national and state level, and also includes U.S. map showing county-level information.  Additional data tables from the census are also available..

[PDF] or denotes a file in Adobe's Portable Document Format. To view the file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from Adobe.

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The Census Bureau provides several Data Extraction Tools and the most extensive table generator tool is the Census Bureau's Data Ferrett which provides over 20 searchable topics.  DataFerrett tutorials are available as well as a help line at 1-888-437-0171.

Our Current Population Survey Table Creator allows you to pull your own custom tables on survey data such as income, poverty, education, health insurance, etc., for the U.S. and states.  Detailed instructions with examples are provided.

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The United States International Trade Commission allows you to search  the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA) for import commodity codes.

Because import and export commodity codes match at the six-digit level, you may also use our Schedule B Search  to find the first six digits of your import number.

Once you have obtained the six-digit subheading, you can look up the full, ten-digit import code in the HTSUSA.

For help with import classification, you must contact your local Customs office.

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• Click  the “Advanced Search” button.
• Click  the Geographies button (left side of the screen).
• In the dropdown box select the smaller geography (for instance, counties)
• In the second dropdown box select the state.
• Select “All Counties within ‘State’” and then click Add to Your Selections.
• Your search results will update.
• Close the Geographies window by clicking the close button on the top right.
• Select a table by clicking on the blue hyperlink or by placing a check in the checkbox and clicking View. 

Learn how to use the Geographic Search method by viewing the Geographic Search Tutorial or the Geographic Search Help Content. 

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When counting the number of rooms in a home for the American Community Survey (ACS), please count rooms separated by built-in archways or walls that extend out at least 6 inches and go from floor to ceiling. Include only whole rooms used for living purposes, such as living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, finished recreation rooms, family rooms, enclosed porches suitable for year-round use, etc.

DO NOT count bathrooms, kitchenettes, strip or pullman kitchens, utility rooms, foyers, halls, open porches, balconies, unfinished attics, unfinished basements, or other unfinished space used for storage.

Specific Concerns:

• A pullman kitchen, also known as a strip kitchen, is a kitchen in which all cabinets, shelves, and facilities (such as the sink or refrigerator) are located against a single wall. This type of kitchen is most often found in small homes or apartments. Do not count a pullman kitchen as a separate room because it is not separate from other rooms of the house.
  
  
• Partially divided rooms, such as a dinette next to a kitchen or living room is a separate room ONLY if there is a built-in partition or wall from floor to ceiling, but not if the partition consists solely of shelves or cabinets.
  
  
• A combination living room/dining room would be considered a single room.

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When exporting commodities out of the United States (or releasing technology or source code to a foreign national in the United States), you need to classify the item to determine if an export license is required from any U.S. Government  agency. If an item is on the Commerce Control List, you need to know the ECCN to determine whether an export license is required.

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The ACS uses the concept of "current residence" to determine who should be considered residents of sample housing units. The basic idea behind this concept is that everyone who is currently living or staying at an address for more than two months is considered a current resident of that address.

This means that their expected length of stay is more than two months, not that they have been staying in the housing unit for more than two months at the time when the survey is conducted. Persons away from their residence for two months or less, whether in the United States or overseas, on a vacation or on a business trip, are considered to still be a "resident" at the address, and the unit is classified as occupied and eligible for inclusion in the survey. Persons away from their residence for more than two months are considered not to be a resident. For the ACS, if no one is determined to be a current resident in the sampled housing unit, it is classified as "vacant."

There are a few exceptions to the "two-month" rule, as noted below:

Persons Without Another Place to Stay -- Anyone staying at a residence who does not have another place to stay, even if they are at the residence for two months or less, are always considered current residents of the residence.

Children Away at School -- Children (below college age) who are away at boarding school or summer camp for more than two months are always considered current residents of their parents' homes. College students' current residency is established by the two-month rule.

Children in Joint Custody -- Children who live under joint custody agreements and move between residences are always considered current residents of the sampled housing unit where they are staying at the time of the interview.

"Commuter Workers" -- People who stay at a residence close to work and return regularly to another residence to be with their family are always considered current residents of the family residence, not the work-related residence.

Residency in Group Quarters facilities is determined differently. All people residing in the selected facility at the time of interview, regardless of the length of stay, are eligible to be selected to be interviewed in the ACS.

For more information on ACS residency rules, read Chapter 6: Survey Rules, Concepts and Definitions, Section 6.3: Residence Rules on the Methodology page of the ACS website.

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The Census Bureau does use statistics from other government agencies for research and evaluations to improve our surveys and censuses and better understand the information we are collecting.  We also use such information to help develop estimates of the population between census years.  However, we cannot use other agencies’ information in place of actual responses to the American Community Survey (ACS)  for several reasons. 

• These statistics – called administrative records – do not contain information for everyone.
   
• We cannot obtain all of the required information from administrative records. 
  
  
• Information from administrative records may not be usable because of differences in collection periods or definitions. 
  
  
• The ACS was designed to provide up-to-date information for federal and state agencies.  Administrative records usually are not as current as the information that we collect.

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