PRB-web-banner-US-census

U.S. Census and the American Community Survey

PRB conducts research on the 2020 Census and produces high-quality, nontechnical publications on topics like the undercount of children and census FAQs.

PRB has expert knowledge and extensive experience with U.S. decennial census and American Community Survey data, methodology, and applications.

We analyze data from the U.S. decennial census, American Community Survey (ACS), and other data sources and disseminate results through high-quality, nontechnical publications. For example, our Population Bulletin on the 2020 Census provides a preview of key population and housing trends that will shape the United States in 2020 and beyond. Our U.S. 2020 Census FAQ answers frequently asked questions about the census. We have also produced video tutorials that provide an introduction on how to access and use ACS data. We are also tracking developments and changes to the Census operational status.

To support efforts to reduce the undercount of young children in the 2020 Census, PRB conducted research to identify factors that predict where children under age 5 are more likely to be missed in the census and developed a new undercount risk measure for young children. A database and interactive map show the risk of undercounting young children across U.S. census tracts in nearly 700 large counties.

PRB has also been a long-term partner to the U.S. Census Bureau, helping to inform policymakers, the media, and the public about the importance of data from the decennial census and ACS. Under this project, we work in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau to:

These activities facilitate communication about decennial census and ACS issues and applications among a broad group of data users, and between data users and the Census Bureau.